Commissioner Masemola confirms fifth arrest in case of missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu and partner
Missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli.
Image: Facebook
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has announced a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the disappearance of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli, with five suspects arrested in connection with their kidnapping and hijacking.
As the search intensified, specialised SAPS divisions, including cybercrime, organised crime, and serious and violent crime units, were brought in to support the investigation.
“I am pleased to report that by this past Sunday afternoon, this team had already registered a breakthrough with the first three arrests and two more arrests later on Sunday evening,” said Masemola.
The five suspects, all South African nationals, were apprehended in separate villages in KwaMhlanga.
They are facing multiple charges including kidnapping, carjacking, house robbery, possession of suspected stolen property and vehicles, and drug possession.
Police have 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.
“These include a fridge, stove, microwave, blankets and other items,” Masemola confirmed.
Three of the suspects have already appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court on charges of kidnapping and possession of stolen property.
Despite the arrests, the couple remains missing, but Masemola assured the public and the families that every effort is being made to locate them.
“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.
Highlighting SAPS's broader success in missing persons cases, Masemola stated; “In the past five years, we have reunited 17,968 missing persons with their loved ones,” including over 15,000 adults and nearly 3,000 children.
The SAPS reminded the public that there is no waiting period to report a missing person.
“The reporting must be accompanied by the latest photograph of the missing child or adult, together with information on what they were wearing or where they were last seen,” the Commissioner advised.
“To the family of Ndlovu and Mdhluli and any other families that have missing loved ones that are still out there, we pledge our full support and commitment to providing each and every family with the closure that you all need.”
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