KEY POINTS
- Four suspects arrested; The driver of Zodwa Mdhluli’s cab operated as one of the suspects.
- Police found vehicle parts near the area where the missing couple’s Citi Golf spent its last days.
- Case reclassified as kidnapping and hijacking; suspects face multiple charges.
The police have revealed that one of the four suspects arrested for the disappearance of Aserie Sibusiso Ndlovu and Zodwa Precious Mdhluli operated as a former metered cab driver who worked for Mdhluli.
The suspect faces his first court hearing at Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The couple disappeared from their Mpumalanga residence on Feb. 18, 2025 while driving a white Volkswagen Citi Golf.
Law enforcement established through their investigation that the suspect maintained employment with the journalist’s missing partner. National police spokesperson Brig. Athlenda Mathe informed Newzroom Afrika that the suspect worked as a metered cab driver for the couple eliminating any doubt about his familiarity with them.
Four suspects arrested,Driver among suspects and car parts recovered
The detective indicated that the apprehended suspect last encountered the missing pair before their disappearance. PoliceOLED recovered missing car parts from a mechanic who joined three other detained individuals following the disappearance of a Volkswagen Citi Golf.
Police confirmed that authorities have seized two Volkswagen Citi Golfs discovered from the suspects’ possession according to Mathe. “One of those arrested is said to be a mechanic who builds and fixes cars in the KwaMhlanga area.”
The four suspects currently face multiple charges which include the offenses of hijacking and kidnapping. The law enforcement team is exploring new possible charges related to house robbery and possession of stolen property.
The KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court will see the remaining three suspects making their court appearance this week.
Case escalated, public reward increased
The authorities upgraded their investigation from a missing person inquiry to a complete criminal case with kidnapping and stolen vehicle charges.
Friday saw the National Press Club (NPC) alongside African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) press for quick intervention from National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola. Authorities doubled the reward for information leading to the couple’s recovery from R50,000 to an amount of R100,000.
The alarming disappearance of two adults from their vehicle without any signs forms the basis of AMCF chairperson Elijah Mhlanga’s concerns. “We hope this increased reward will encourage someone to come forward.”
