Latest news with #VWCitiGolfs
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- The Citizen
Aserie Ndlovu murder case postponed as fifth suspect joins
The murder case was postponed after the newly-arrested fifth suspect opted to appoint a private lawyer. Pretoria-based journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdluli were reported missing since February 2025. Picture: Facebook/Sbusiso Aserie Ndlovu The case of the five men charged in connection with the disappearance and murder of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdluli, has been postponed to 4 July. The case was postponed to allow the fifth suspect, Thabang Isaac Hlophe, to secure legal representation after joining the other four. Father Samuel Mogowe, Lucky Sikhosana, David Madisha, and Sello Skhalo Uoane previously abandoned their bail applications. Court appearance for formal joinder The five accused, who appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court in Mpumalanga on Friday, are facing two counts of kidnapping and murder each. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said Friday's court appearance was for the formal joinder of Hlophe to the matter and a possible bail application on his behalf. 'However, the application did not proceed as Hlophe opted to appoint a private attorney to represent him,' Nyuswa said. All suspects have been remanded in custody. 'The [NPA] condemns acts of violent crime and remains resolute in pursuing justice for victims,' Nyuswa said. ALSO READ: Kidnapping victim saved after screaming from moving car on N1 Ndlovu and Mdluli reported missing Ndlovu and Mdluli were last seen on 18 February and were reported missing shortly after their disappearance. The accused were arrested on different occasions during a police intelligence-driven operation. The first suspect arrested was the last to be in the company of the missing couple. 'The second, third and fourth suspects that have been arrested were found with different vehicle parts believed to be those of the missing journalist,' police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said shortly after the arrests. 'One of those arrested is said to be a mechanic who builds and fixes cars in the KwaMhlanga area. Two VW Citi Golfs that were found in possession of the suspects have been seized,' Mathe added. Remains and DNA confirmation Skeletal remains with gunshot wounds, believed to be of the missing couple, were discovered in Rust de Winter along the Limpopo-Gauteng border in May after the suspects identified the location. Earlier this month, police confirmed that DNA analysis positively linked the remains to Ndlovu and Mdluli. '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 those of the missing couple,' Mathe said at the time. NOW READ: 'Gruesome discovery': Missing teen girl found dead inside shack as stepfather linked to murder
IOL News
04-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
DNA confirms identity of murdered journalist Aserie Ndlovu and partner
DNA has confirmed the remains of murdered community radio journalist Aserie Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli. On Wednesday, the national police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said the human remains were analysed and matched with the reference sample of the biological relatives of the deceased. After almost a month of waiting, DNA has confirmed that the remains which were found in Rust De Winter, Gauteng, belong to murdered community radio journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli who vanished mysteriously in February. "A positive DNA match thus confirms that the discovered remains are that of the missing couple. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has already notified both families and is pleased to have assisted to provide closure to both families," said Mathe. Meanwhile, seven suspects arrested in this case are currently appearing before the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court in Mpumalanga where they are facing various charges ranging from kidnapping, house robbery to possession of stolen property. Police recovered two VW Citi Golfs allegedly fitted with parts from Ndlovu's vehicle, as well as household items believed to have been stolen from the couple's home. The couple was last seen on February 18, 2025, at their home in Mpumalanga, in their white Volkswagen Citi Golf. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- The Citizen
Aserie Ndlovu case: DNA results of human remains pending
The South African journalism community is in shock following the discovery of human remains, believed to be those of journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli. Mpumalanga News reports the breakthrough came when leads directed the police to the Rapotokwane CCZ Farm (on the D2774 road in Rust de Winter) in Limpopo last Thursday. The bodies were found in an advanced state of decomposition and DNA tests are being conducted to confirm their identity. On Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Mpumalanga police, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said the DNA results are still pending. The discovery comes shortly after five men were arrested in connection with the missing persons case of Ndlovu and Mdhluli, who disappeared in February. Ndubane said Ndlovu's mother was informed about the discovery of the remains on the same day by KwaMhlanga SAPS investigating officers Warrant Officer William Maapula and Colonel Sarah Radebe, as well as members of the Mamelodi SAPS. Ndubane said Major General Richard Shibiri telephonically informed Mdhluli's sister-in-law in Tembisa, Gauteng. 8 suspects face multiple charges, including murder The police have eight suspects in the Ndlovu and Mdhluli case. Five suspects were arrested on May 4 and appeared in different courts that same week. Three of the suspects made a court appearance last Wednesday, while Samuel Mogongwe (41) and Michael Sikhosana (40) appeared briefly in the KwaMhlanga Magistrates' Court last Friday on kidnapping charges related to the couple's disappearance. Three additional suspects, aged between 23 and 43, were arrested in the Nokaneng area in KwaMhlanga on Tuesday. They are expected to appear in court soon. SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said in a statement that the first suspect was last seen with the missing couple. The second, third, and fourth suspects (including a KwaMhlanga mechanic) were found in possession of various vehicle parts, believed to be from Ndlovu's car. Mathe said two VW Citi Golfs were seized from the suspects. The case has been upgraded to one of kidnapping and carjacking. Additional charges, including house robbery and possession of stolen property, may be added as investigations continue. Ndlovu – a celebrated creative Ndlovu was a versatile journalist, well known in the Mpumalanga community after working at the African Eye News Service in Mbombela. He attended Hlanganani Senior Secondary School in KaBokweni. He had worked alongside Mandla Khoza, a renowned journalist in Mbombela, who described him as a people's person. 'Our last meeting was in KwaMhlanga some time last year when I followed a story that side. We came down to Mbombela together as he also wanted to touch base with his relatives in Ngodini. We stopped by the Waterval Boven tunnel and he told me about his career advancements, running his community radio station in Mamelodi – called Capital Live SA 99.0 FM – and managing many national artists.' Khoza expressed shock at Ndlovu's disappearance, saying it was difficult news to bear, particularly as a journalist concerned about safety. He added that the investigation might reveal details linked to Ndlovu's journalism work. Media community in mourning The African Media and Communicators Forum and the National Press Club expressed shock, disbelief, and sadness over the latest news in a joint statement. 'The media fraternity across South Africa has, for the past two and a half months, laboured with the agony of not knowing where the couple had gone,' the statement read. These journalism organisations had offered a reward of R100k for any information that could lead to the discovery of the couple's whereabouts. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10-05-2025
- The Citizen
Have you seen these men? Police looking for two in connection with journalist's death
One of the wanted men is currently out on parole for rape. The two men wanted in connection with the disappearance of Ndlovu and his partner. Picture: Supplied/ SAPS 24-year-old Thato David Madisha and Sello 'Skhalo' Uoane must hand themselves over at their nearest police station. This is the call from police after the two were listed as suspects in the case of murdered journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli. The couple vanished in February under mysterious circumstances. They were last seen leaving their Mpumalanga home in a white Volkswagen Citi Golf. 'Police believe the [wanted] pair may have played a role or have information on the alleged kidnapping and killing of the couple. 'While tracking teams are on the ground searching for the pair, the two suspects are also advised to voluntarily hand themselves over,' said Brigadier Athlenda Mathe on Saturday. Uoane is currently out on parole for rape. Call for the community to help Anyone who may know the pair's whereabouts or have any information is advised to contact investigating officer Lieutenant Colonel Maboko on 0720302794. 5 in the dock If arrested, the two will join five others who have been nabbed already. They were traced to villages in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, and now face multiple charges, including kidnapping, carjacking, house robbery, possession of suspected stolen property, possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, and drug possession. Two VW Citi Golfs, allegedly fitted with parts suspected to belong to Ndlovu's car, were recovered, as were several appliances allegedly stolen from the couple's home. ALSO READ: Key witness now a suspect as fifth arrest made in missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu case Bodies found Friends and family are now waiting on DNA results to confirm if the two bodies found this week by police are those of Ndlovu and Mdhluli. The area where the remains were found was pointed out by suspects as the place where they left the pair. Additional reporting by Oratile Mashilo and Molefe Seeletsa. NOW READ: Body believed to be of missing journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu found [VIDEO]
Eyewitness News
08-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Police vow to spare no effort in investigating disappearance of Aserie Ndlovu & Zodwa Mdhluli
Earlier in the week, police announced they had recovered and seized two VW Citi Golfs that were allegedly fitted with parts from community radio journalist, Ndlovu's car. The last time Ndlovu and his partner Mdhluli were seen, they were in the same make of car. Home appliances that were allegedly stolen from the couple's home were also recovered, including a fridge, stove, microwave and even blankets. Tracking the couple's whereabouts using CCTV cameras, phone data and bank information, the two-month-long frantic search turned up empty, until Thursday. Amid speculation of what may have happened, Masemola said that he was unable to verify claims that they were shot. "There is a lot that has been said on the investigation, but the fact is that we have found remains of two people in the bushes and they will go through a post-mortem and if there were any shots, we will be able to tell where they were shot." It's unclear how long it will take for DNA results.
