KEY POINTS
- Three more suspects arrested in connection with the disappearance of Ndlovu and Mdhuli.
- Police discovered human remains near Rust De Winter, believed to be the missing couple.
- Authorities have arrested eight individuals, with several facing serious charges.
In relation to the disappearance of journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhuli, authorities have detained three further suspects.
After releasing a public alert over the weekend for assistance, South African Police Service (SAPS) officers captured the criminals early on Tuesday morning.
Arrests made after public alert and investigation efforts
SAPS investigators had named Thato David Madisha and Sello “Skhalo” Uoane in the public notice, and police confirmed that they had taken them into custody.
The two men, ages 24 and 43, were discovered by officers hiding in Nokaneng, close to Rust De Winter, together with an unnamed third party.
The three suspects are scheduled to appear in KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to face a number of charges, according to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane.
After public tips led to their discovery and arrest, police charged them with kidnapping, hijacking, and house robbery.
The public and investigative teams were commended by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola for their collaborative efforts in identifying and capturing the suspects.
Masemola said, “We are grateful to South Africans, particularly those in Mpumalanga, for assisting our investigators in locating and apprehending these individuals so promptly.”
“We can combat crime and apprehend dangerous criminals more quickly and effectively if we have strong public cooperation,” he praised.
Zeph Mkhwanazi, the acting police commissioner for Mpumalanga, praised the discovery as well and pledged his unwavering dedication to revealing the whole truth.
“To find out what happened to the two victims and bring everyone involved to justice, we’re using every resource at our disposal,” he said.
Further arrests lead to progress in solving the case
According to Citizen, eight suspects have now been taken into custody by the authorities, including people who were previously held in several settlements in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.
Charges against previous suspects include narcotics offenses, carjacking, house robbery, kidnapping, possession of stolen property, and offenses involving vehicles.
A 17-year-old kid who had been apprehended earlier was placed in parental care by the authorities while additional legal actions were conducted.
The remaining suspects have already shown up in court last week to start formal legal proceedings, and they are still in detention.
Samuel Mogongwe, 41, who was allegedly the last person spotted with Ndlovu and Mdhuli before they vanished, was initially taken into custody by police.
Investigators said Mogongwe, a known acquaintance and taxi driver for the couple, is cooperating but remains a suspect in the case.
A refrigerator, microwave, and stove that were purportedly taken from the couple’s home were among the other household items that police recovered.
