Pretoria-based radio station Capital Live SA 99.0 FM has confirmed the deaths of its founder and journalist, Sibusiso “Aserie” Ndlovu, and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli, who had been missing since 18 February.
On Thursday, national police commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed that they found human remains believed to be of the couple at a site that was pointed out by one of the suspects arrested in connection with their disappearance.
MISSING JOURNALIST AND PARTNER’S BODIES FOUND IN KWAMHLANGA
In a statement, the Pretoria-based radio station said after weeks of uncertainty and hope, their remains were sadly discovered on Thursday morning in the KwaMhlanga area in Mpumalanga, at an advanced stage of decomposition.
“Following a thorough investigation, the forensic team has positively identified both Ndlovu and Mdhluli and confirmed that they were brutally murdered and dumped in a veld. This senseless and cruel act has not only shaken us but left a void in the media community, in our hearts, and in the lives of everyone they touched,” the radio station said.
In a joint statement, the African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) who have also been at the forefront in the search for Ndlovu and his partner expressed shock and sadness at the news of their passing.
Chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum Elijah Mhlanga, said he is sad.
“We held out hope that despite the number of days that the couple had gone missing, they would still be found alive. Our deepest condolences go out to the families of our brother and sister,” Mhlanga said.
Mhlanga said the AMFC and NPC have undertaken to continue supporting the family during this difficult time, including attendance of the court cases of all the suspects.
Likewise, acting chairperson of the NPC Antoinette Slabbert, they are confident in the work of the authorities, that they will use all the available resources to bring to book everyone who was involved in the killing of Sbusiso Ndlovu and his partner.
FIVE SUSPECTS ARRESTED
Earlier this week, police confirmed that five people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of the couple.
The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping, carjacking, house robbery, possession of suspected stolen property, possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, and drug possession.
SowetanLIVE reported that home appliances, including a fridge, stove, microwave, blankets, and other items that were allegedly stolen from the home of the couple, have been recovered.
Shockingly, one of the suspects is reportedly known to the couple and led the police on a wild-goose chase to divert attention from himself.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE SENSELESS MURDER OF THE JOURNALIST AND HIS PARTNER, WHO WERE INITIALLY PRESUMED MISSING?
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