logo
Three more suspects arrested in connection with couple's disappearance

Three more suspects arrested in connection with couple's disappearance

IOL News13-05-2025

Three additional suspects have been arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, for the murder of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli.
Police in Mpumalanga have arrested three additional suspects, aged between 23 and 43, for the kidnapping and murder of Pretoria-based journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his romantic partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the trio was arrested at Nokaneng area in Kwamhlanga, bringing the total number of arrested suspects to eight.
Ndubane said the three suspects were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning, at around 1am during a blitz involving SAPS crime intelligence in Mpumalanga, the provincial tracking team, and the Mpumalanga provincial organised crime unit.
"The members were relentless since the mysterious disappearance of the two victims in February 2025 hence the intelligence driven operation was carried out to uncover the truth surrounding this case," she said.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Last week, police were led to an area in Limpopo where an extensive search unearthed remains of two human beings.
The SA Police Service said the decomposed bodies are believed to be of the missing couple, and forensic tests are currently underway to determine the identities of these remains.
"The five suspects previously arrested have been in custody and already appeared in court as of last week. The three arrested suspects arrested today (Tuesday) are expected to make their court appearance at the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 facing charges of kidnapping, hijacking and house robbery," said Ndubane.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

SAPS Anti-gang unit attacked in Westbury
SAPS Anti-gang unit attacked in Westbury

The South African

time2 hours ago

  • The South African

SAPS Anti-gang unit attacked in Westbury

While patrolling the area of Westbury, members of the Anti-Gang Unit came under attack and had to run for cover. The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, has condemned the ambush on the AGU. 'The Anti-Gang Unit is a unit in the SAPS that is responsible for combatting gangs and gang related crime,' said national SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. She said the crimes covered by the AGU include dealing and trafficking of drugs as well as gang related shootings and murders. The AGU is deployed in various hotspot areas that are plagued by gang activity in the different provinces, including Gauteng. Mathe said in the Gauteng province, the unit is deployed to areas such as Eldorado Park, Westbury, Moffatview, Southhills, Mohlakeng, Toekomsrus and Sophiatown. According to Mathe, on the afternoon of 3 June 2025, members of the anti-gang unit were patrolling in Westbury, while other members were conducting stop and searches along Steytler street. During the operation, they found a man in possession of drugs and he was immediately arrested. After the suspect was arrested, members of the community began mobilising themselves and threw rocks and bottles at police officers on the scene. The AGU had to retreat and tactically withdraw from the operation by running for cover. The incident was captured on camera. 'The community of Westbury have from time to time been complaining about the high levels of crime including drug dealing in the area,' said police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola . Masemola said they deployed the anti-gang unit to deal specifically with crime pertaining to drug dealing. He expressed disappointment in the community for attacking the police when they take charge and enforce the law. The police commissioner said he cannot allow such an incident to repeat itself. He pleaded with the community to appreciate, support and work with the police and not attack them. 'We cannot and will not tolerate this lawlessness. Our members will continue to discharge their duties without fear or favour, ' said Masemola. Mathe confirmed that no police officer or police property was damaged during the attack. She attributed this to members tactically withdrawing from the danger by discharging a warning shot. General Masemola also encouraged members of the AGU to not be deterred by the incident. He said they should continue preventing and combatting gang violence in the area without fear or favour. DO YOU THINK GANG VIOLENCE THRIVES BECAUSE OF COMMUNITY PROTECTION? 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.

Government condemns Riverlea shootout linked to illegal mining
Government condemns Riverlea shootout linked to illegal mining

The South African

time3 hours ago

  • The South African

Government condemns Riverlea shootout linked to illegal mining

A tragic shootout between illegal miners and the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Riverlea, Johannesburg, has left a 59-year-old man dead, prompting national condemnation and calls for stronger community collaboration in tackling criminal activity. Police reportedly exchanged gunfire with three suspects at the Zamimpilo informal settlement when the man was caught in the crossfire and killed. His body was discovered in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The South African government has extended condolences to the victim's family and pledged its support for ongoing investigations. 'This incident demonstrates the severe threat that illegal mining poses, not only to law enforcement, but to the safety and well-being of communities,' said Acting Government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa. Mnukwa called on community members to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead work with police to address criminality. 'Community members are called to cooperate with authorities and report criminal activities taking place in their areas,' she said. Illegal mining, often associated with heavily armed syndicates, has plagued several parts of Johannesburg, including Riverlea. The violence accompanying these operations has frequently drawn attention from authorities and residents, with infrastructure damage and community safety being constant concerns. Residents in Riverlea have previously complained about the dangers posed by illegal miners, known locally as zama zamas, who operate in abandoned mines and informal settlements with minimal regard for public safety. Furthermore, law enforcement continues to intensify efforts to disrupt illegal mining networks in Johannesburg and beyond. The government has praised these efforts and reaffirmed its stance on maintaining order. 'Government commends the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to clamp down on illegal mining operations, which continue to pose serious threats to public safety and infrastructure,' Mnukwa added. 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.

Human remains confirmed as those of missing journalist and partner
Human remains confirmed as those of missing journalist and partner

The South African

time4 hours ago

  • The South African

Human remains confirmed as those of missing journalist and partner

Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu. Images: Facebook/ Home » Human remains confirmed as those of missing journalist and partner Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu. Images: Facebook/ The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that the human remains found in Limpopo are those of missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli.'The South African Police Service (SAPS) has concluded its extensive tests and analysis of human remains found in Rust De Winter earlier presumed to be that of missing Pretoria journalist and his partner. 'The SAPS can now confirm that a DNA analysis has been concluded and has positively linked the remains to that of Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli,' said the SAPS. The couple had been missing since 18 February 2025. In a statement on Wednesday, the police said the human remains were analysed and matched with the reference sample of the biological relatives of the deceased.'A positive DNA match thus confirms that the discovered remains are that of the missing couple,' said the police, adding that the families of the deceased have been SAPS added that suspects arrested in this case are currently appearing before the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court on various charges ranging from kidnapping, house robbery to possession of stolen property. Last month the police discovered the two bodies after a lengthy and thorough investigation by a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement agencies. Also last month, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, thanked members of the public for their cooperation and assistance in the case. This after the SAPS issued an alert requesting members of the public to assist police in tracing two outstanding suspects in the case. Post your condolences below, by … 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.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store