Key Points:
- Police arrested five suspects in the Missing Journalist Aserie Ndlovu case, including one minor.
- SAPS recovered vehicle parts and household items suspected to belong to the missing couple.
- The search continues with national law enforcement teams and specialized units fully deployed.
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola announced on Sunday evening that police had made a fifth arrest. The arrest is connected to the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli.
Couple’s Disappearance Sparks Multi-Provincial Investigation
Ndlovu and Mdhluli disappeared on Feb. 19, 2025. Their disappearance prompted the South African Police Service (SAPS) to launch a coordinated investigation across Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
To strengthen the case, SAPS brought in specialized units. These included divisions focusing on cybercrime, organized crime, and serious violent crime.
Masemola explained, “By Sunday afternoon, our team had already arrested three suspects. Later that evening, officers arrested two more.”
Police Charge Suspects and Recover Stolen Items
All five suspects are South African nationals. Officers captured them in separate villages within KwaMhlanga.
Authorities charged the suspects with kidnapping, carjacking, house robbery, and drug possession. They also face charges for possessing stolen property and vehicles.
Police officers recovered two Volkswagen Citi Golfs. They believe the suspects fitted the vehicles with parts from Ndlovu’s missing car.
In addition, officers found household items that they suspect were stolen from the couple’s home. These included a refrigerator, stove, microwave, blankets, and several other belongings.
Three suspects have already appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrates Court. The remaining two, including a 17-year-old minor, will appear on Tuesday. Meanwhile, officials released the minor to his parents’ custody under supervision.
Search for Missing Couple Still Underway
Although police made key arrests, Ndlovu and Mdhluli remain missing. Masemola assured the public that SAPS is using every available resource to find them.
“With specialized teams on the ground and our full support, we are optimistic,” he said. “We believe we will soon discover the motive and the couple’s location.”
Masemola also highlighted SAPS’s recent progress with missing persons. Over the past five years, SAPS successfully reunited 17,968 missing individuals with their families. That total includes more than 15,000 adults and nearly 3,000 children.
The Missing Journalist Aserie Ndlovu case remains a top priority for law enforcement. SAPS continues to treat every detail as urgent.
Masemola reminded citizens that they can report a missing person immediately—there is no waiting period. He emphasized the importance of supplying a recent photo, clothing details, and the last known location of the missing person.
“To the families of Ndlovu, Mdhluli, and others still searching, we stand beside you,” he said. “We remain committed to bringing every family the closure they deserve.”
