Key witness now a suspect as fifth arrest made in missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu case
Four suspects were initially arrested on Tuesday.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola says five suspects have now been arrested in connection with the disappearance of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli.
The couple vanished under mysterious circumstances more than two months ago.
They were last seen on 18 February leaving their home in Mpumalanga, driving a white Volkswagen Citi Golf.
According to the South African Police Service (Saps), four suspects were initially arrested on Tuesday.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Masemola announced the arrest of a fifth suspect.
He stated that all five individuals, traced to different villages in KwaMhlanga, are South African nationals.
They face multiple charges, including kidnapping, carjacking, house robbery, possession of suspected stolen property, possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, and drug possession.
Masemola also confirmed the recovery of two VW Citi Golfs allegedly fitted with parts suspected to belong to Ndlovu's car.
'Home appliances that were allegedly stolen from the home of the couple have also been recovered.
ALSO READ: Missing KZN teen recounts alleged abduction after two-week ordeal
'These include a fridge, stove, microwave, blankets and other items,' he said.
Three of the suspects have already appeared before the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court.
'The other two suspects are expected to appear today and will be joined by the other three suspects that appeared yesterday.'
One of the suspects is a mechanic based in KwaMhlanga.
He also revealed that one of the suspects is a 17-year-old minor, who has since been released into the care of his parents.
Suspect known to Aserie Ndlovu's family
It has also come to light that the first suspect arrested in the case, Samuel Mogongwe, was the last person seen with Ndlovu and Mdhluli before their disappearance.
According to Mdhluli's son, Treasure, the 41-year-old man is well known to the victims and their families.
Without naming him directly, Masemola said Mogongwe was 'our key witness all along' and had played a significant role in the early stages of the investigation.
READ MORE: Police rescue two businessmen in Midrand after kidnapping ordeal
'He was somebody that was assisting us all along, but now it has turned out that he is a suspect himself.
'So that's part of what took the investigation so long,' he said.
The commissioner confirmed that the 41-year-old man's arrest led to the three other suspects being found with parts of Ndlovu's car.
'Most of those parts and the property at home were found recently after this breakthrough of our witness that turned out to [be] a suspect later.'
Investigations continue
Masemola further said investigations are ongoing, and efforts to locate Ndlovu and Mdhluli continue.
'With the resources and capacity deployed, we are hopeful that we will soon get to the bottom of the motive and the whereabouts of the missing couple,' he said.
'The Saps prioritises each and every case that is reported.
'Some cases are quicker to solve, while others are more complex and require more technical expertise to be solved.
'This is such a case that required such resources.'
Nearly 18 000 missing persons found over five years
Masemola revealed that 17 968 people who were reported missing have been found in the past five years.
'These were adults and children that were reported as missing at police stations across the country.
'Of the figure, the number of adults found through intelligence and meticulous detective work is 15 005 adults.
'Of this figure, 8328 were female while 9165 were male,' he said.
He further reported that 2 963 children under the age of 18 were found, including 1 919 girls and 967 boys.
Additionally, the police recovered 3,099 bodies from water sources such as rivers and dams.
'These were people that had drowned. The teams also assisted in rescue efforts of 2 577 persons from water sources.'
NOW READ: Man allegedly holds ex captive for 13 days before she escapes
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
an hour ago
Will Joslin Smith state witness get indemnity or face JAIL?
The state witness in the Joslin Smith trafficking trial, Laurentia Lombaard, is awaiting her fate of indemnity or a prison sentence in a special hearing under the Western Cape High Court. The woman – a former accused who turned State 204 witness – has previously stated under oath that the missing girl's mother, Kelly Smith, allegedly sold her daughter to a sangoma for R20 000. Last week, Kelly, her boyfriend Jacquin 'Boeta' Appollis, and pal Steveno van Rhyn were sentenced to life in prison for trafficking and kidnapping. The trio has 14 days to apply for leave to appeal the sentence. Joslin went missing from her home in Saldanha Bay on 19 February 2024. She has not been found. Speaking to the SABC, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel revealed Western Cape High Court Judge Nathan Erasmus would hear evidence and arguments from both the prosecution and the defense pertaining to state witness, Laurentia Lombaard. He would impose her sentence in a separate hearing. Swanepoel said: 'We will be called upon to argue and indicate why we say she should or should not be granted indemnity. 'Our argument is that she should be granted indemnity.' State witness Lourentia Lombaard testified that Kelly Smith sold her daughter Joslin to a sangoma. Will she be granted indemnity for her testimony? Images via YouTube screenshot: SABC News. Laurentia Lombaard – a State 204 witness – previously stated under oath that Joslin Smith's mother, Kelly Smith, allegedly sold her to a sangoma for R20 000. Lombaard also claimed in her testimony that Kelly had offered her R1 000 in 'hush money'. She added that she had not received the money, even after confronting Kelly about it. Late last year, charges were withdrawn against Lombaard, who was granted provisional indemnity from criminal prosecution. However, her credibility was questioned when she admitted to lying to police in a recorded statement after Joslin Smith's disappearance. Her version of events from her March 2024 statement differs from her confession to police in October, when she agreed to turn state witness. In court, she admitted to being under the influence of drugs when making the initial statement. According to the Criminal Procedure Act, a Section 204 witness can receive indemnity from criminal charges, provided that their testimony and evidence help incriminate the accused. In the case of Joslin Smith, the NPA offered Lombaard witness protection in exchange for her testimony against Kelly Smith, Boeta Appollis, and Steveno van Rhyn, who have since been convicted and sentenced. If the court does find that Lombaard did not testify truthfully, she could face prosecution for perjury and related charges. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Counterfeit alcohol in SA
Here's your daily news update for Wednesday, 4 June 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, research shows how the illicit trade makes up 18% of the South Africa's overall alcohol market. Meanwhile, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa says Elon Musk's SpaceX has been operating its Starlink satellite internet service illegally in the country. Furthermore, EFF leader Julius Malema has dismissed concerns over former party deputy president Floyd Shivambu's move to parliament with the MK party. Weather tomorrow: 5 June 2025 The weather service has warned of damaging winds in KwaZulu-Natal, while a weekend cold front is expected to deliver icy conditions, snow, and rough seas across inland and coastal areas. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. How you could be drinking counterfeit alcohol without knowing Illicit alcohol traders are making a fortune selling knock-off liquor to unsuspecting and desperate patrons. Euromonitor International, in partnership with Drinks Federation South Africa (DFSA), this week revealed the runaway popularity of the illicit alcohol trade. Image for illustrative purposes. Picture: iStock Between traders prioritising profits and consumers choosing cheaper options, the country is missing out on just over R10 billion, excluding Value-Added Tax (VAT), on untaxed spirits alone. Through desk research, store visits and surveys across multiple geographic and income demographics, Euromonitor illustrated how the illicit trade makes up 18% of the country's overall alcohol market. CONTINUE READING: How you could be drinking counterfeit alcohol without knowing Icasa seizes Starlink satellite-internet equipment in South Africa [VIDEO] The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) says Elon Musk's SpaceX has been operating its Starlink satellite internet service illegally in the country, and that it has recently confiscated equipment belonging to the company. Starlink has returned to the spotlight in the country following a policy directive from Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi, which aims to pave the way for the satellite internet service's legal entry into the South African market. Starlink internet-satellite equipment. Picture: iStock Talks on launching Starlink in South Africa stalled earlier this year after Musk and US President Donald Trump ramped up public rhetoric against policies such as BEE laws, which mandate that foreign-owned telecoms companies allocate at least 30% of local equity to historically disadvantaged groups, primarily black South Africans. CONTINUE READING: Icasa seizes Starlink satellite-internet equipment in South Africa [VIDEO] 'Ayakwini yena?': Malema says EFF unfazed by Shivambu's parliamentary return EFF leader Julius Malema dismissed concerns over former party deputy president Floyd Shivambu's move to parliament with the MK party, rhetorically asking, 'Ayakwini yena?' (Where was he going?), while reaffirming that his party's 'superior' presence in parliament remains unchallenged Speaking to the media outside the home of late actor Presley Chweneyagae in Soweto, where he had come to pay condolences, Malema addressed several pressing political issues, including Shivambu's new role, calls for black unity, and local governance matters. EFF leader Julius Malema. Picture: Neil McCartney/The Citizen The MK party on Tuesday removed Floyd Shivambu as secretary-general of the party. This follows an investigation into Shivambu's trip to Malawi to visit fugitive Pastor Shepherd Bushiri's Enlightened Church. CONTINUE READING: 'Ayakwini yena?': Malema says EFF unfazed by Shivambu's parliamentary return Mashatile reveals he spent R2.3m on travel, food, and laundry for Japan trip Deputy President Paul Mashatile has disclosed that he spent R2.3 million on a single working visit to Japan in March 2025, with expenses including flights, accommodation, ground transport, restaurant services, and laundry costs. This latest revelation adds to previous travel expenditure totalling over R5.5 million since taking office in July 2024. Deputy President Mashatile. Picture: Gallo Images The revelation came in response to a parliamentary question from ActionSA MP Lerato Mikateko Ngobeni, who requested a complete breakdown of all official travel undertaken by Mashatile since assuming office on 3 July 2024. Mashatile confirmed that he undertook four official international trips since the specified dates. CONTINUE READING: Mashatile reveals he spent R2.3m on travel, food, and laundry for Japan trip Winter wonderland: Snow expected in Gauteng next week The last time it snowed in Johannesburg, Gauteng was on the 10th of July 2023 when the South African Weather Service (Saws) confirmed that various parts of the province was covered in a white. With the latest weather forecast and a cold front looming, Gauteng may once again be transformed into a winter wonderland next week. A snowman admires the snow that blanketed several areas in Gauteng. Picture: Twitter/@newslivesa According to Vox Weather, the mercury is expected to drop below 20°C as residents scurry to get their blankets out and keep warm. CONTINUE READING: Winter wonderland: Snow expected in Gauteng next week Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Shivambu removed as MK Party SG | Fuel levy hike goes ahead | Presley Chweneyagae memorial
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Limpopo couple arrested after alleged kidnapping hoax to extort worried husband
The woman and her partner allegedly staged the crime to scam her husband out of R5000. A Limpopo couple has landed in court for faking a kidnapping to extort R5 000 in ransom from the woman's worried husband. The Limpopo police arrested a 34-year-old woman and her 60-year-old boyfriend, who allegedly faked her own abduction to extort ransom from her husband. The couple appeared before the Seshego Magistrate's Court on Wednesday on charges of kidnapping and extortion. Kidnapping faked to extort R5000 from husband The police described the incident as an 'elaborate deception that traumatised a family and wasted police resources'. On 2 May, a concerned husband reported his wife missing after she failed to arrive at her destination in Garawele Village, Mokopane. The husband had dropped his wife off at the Tibane Crossroad hiking spot in Matlala at about 11am, expecting her to travel to visit family. ALSO READ: Two Cape Town police officers arrested for kidnapping foreign national Troubling ransom calls at police station Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the husband tried to contact his wife, but he couldn't reach her, and her family members confirmed she hadn't arrived at her destination. He suspected foul play and immediately reported the matter to police in Matlala. Ledwaba said the husband received a troubling call from his wife's phone while he was giving his statement to the police. 'An unknown male voice demanded R5000 ransom money, while the sound of a woman crying could be heard in the background,' Ledwaba said. 'The caller abruptly ended the call, only to phone again from a different number with further ransom demands.' A thorough police investigation, however, revealed a shocking twist; there had been no kidnapping. Ledwaba said the wife willingly left with her boyfriend, and the two of them planned the whole scam, including the ransom calls to extort money from the unsuspecting husband. ALSO READ: Are you the real Godfrey Lebeya? Fake Hawks head extorts more than R100k The duo was subsequently arrested and detained at the Matlala Police Station. The provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has issued a stern warning regarding such criminal deception. 'The Saps [South African Police Service] will not tolerate individuals who manipulate family bonds and exploit genuine concern to commit fraud and extortion. This case demonstrates the emotional trauma and resource wastage caused by false reporting and criminal deception,' Hadebe said. Police warn against abusing systems for personal financial gain 'We want to send a clear message that fabricating kidnapping scenarios for financial gain is a serious criminal offence that will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Our officers work tirelessly to investigate genuine missing person cases, and those who abuse this system will face the consequences.' Ledwaba added that the investigating team commended the husband for reporting the matter swiftly, as it enabled the police to uncover the deception before any ransom money was paid. 'The case serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant against extortion schemes and to report suspicious demands for money to the nearest police station immediately,' Hadebe said. NOW READ: After years on the run, police finally arrest 'Putin' in Midrand
