Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli | Three more suspects arrested in connection with couple's disappearance
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.
Image: IOL
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.
Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the latest wave of arrests.
“This development represents a major breakthrough for the police. We are utilizing all available resources to uncover the truth behind what has transpired to the two victims. We are encouraged by the team's diligent efforts, which are yielding positive results," he said.
"The investigation remains ongoing, and the SAPS is committed to bringing all responsible parties to justice."
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News