The man believed to be the last person seen with missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli is expected to appear in the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court today, Tuesday, 6 May 2025.
Aserie Ndlovu disappearance: Suspect expected in court – here’s what to expect
The couple was last seen on 18 February 2025 in a white Volkswagen Citi Golf, but for more than two months, there were no concrete leads in the case. A major breakthrough came after 77 days, thanks to a cross-province police operation involving teams from Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that four suspects were arrested on Monday. Among them is the individual who was reportedly the last to be in the company of the missing couple.
“The first suspect who is arrested, according to investigations, is the last to be in the company of the missing couple,” Mathe said.
Three additional suspects were found in possession of car parts believed to have belonged to the couple’s missing vehicle.
One of them is reportedly a mechanic in the KwaMhlanga area. Two Volkswagen Citi Golfs were seized by authorities during the operation.
Due to these findings, the case has now shifted from a missing persons investigation to more serious allegations, including kidnapping and car hijacking.
“Additional charges such as house robbery and being in possession of stolen property are likely to be added,” Mathe stated.
Today’s court appearance was initially delayed due to power outages at the court precinct.
The son of the missing couple expressed cautious relief ahead of the court proceedings.
“The breakthrough has brought a bit of relief to the family because it was a very frustrating time. For around 77 days there was nothing coming so it was a very hard time for the family. So, at least now we are starting to receive some answers and we are hopeful that we are going to get to the end of it soon and we are going to find our parents,” he said.
While the first suspect appears in court today, the other three are expected to appear later in the week at the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court.
The National Press Club and the African Media Communicators Forum (AMCF) have also been involved in efforts to locate the couple. Last week, they announced a reward of R100,000 for any information that could assist the investigation.
Elijah Mhlanga, chairperson of the AMCF, had previously criticised the slow pace of the investigation. He emphasised the importance of continued public attention on the case to help bring the missing couple home.
Police continue their efforts to locate Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli. Their whereabouts remain unknown.