By REGINALD KANYANE
9 May 2025- The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in to the family of slain journalist, Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli. This comes after a gruesome discovery of their decomposed bodies in a thicket, outside Rust De Winter in Limpopo, nearly 72km from where they were last seen three months ago.
The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong said on behalf of the Presidency and Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), they express their deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the late journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli. Morolong said according to information provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the police have discovered two lifeless bodies believed to be that of Ndlovu and Mdhluli.
“The couple has been missing since 18 February 2025.
Their discovery is the result of a lengthy and thorough investigation by a multi-disciplinary team of law enforcement agencies.
“This effort has led to the arrest of four suspects, who are currently in police custody. We commend the SAPS, and all agencies involved for their dedication. Government condemns this brutal and senseless act of violence,” he said.
Morolong further said, on behalf of the Presidency and the GCIS, they condemn this senseless, barbaric and brute act of violence. He added that Ndlovu served the public through his work in the media sector, contributing meaningfully to democracy by informing and educating citizens.
“The loss of both Ndlovu and Mdhluli is a tragedy that highlights the need to continue strengthening efforts to combat violent crime. As the Presidency and GCIS, we extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims,” said Morolong.
He said the government reaffirms its commitment to the safety of all citizens and the protection of media practitioners, who play a vital role in upholding transparency, accountability, and democratic values. Morolong said on 4 May 2025, he met with the family of the late Ndlovu to offer his support and solidarity.
“I will soon pay a similar visit to Capital Live FM in Mamelodi, the station Ndlovu founded, to share words of comfort with the staff and honour his legacy,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a joint statement, the African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) have expressed shock, disbelief and sadness over the deaths of renowned media practitioner, Ndlovu and his partner, Mdhluli.
The Chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF), Elijah Mhlanga said the couple’s remains were discovered on Thursday morning at an advanced stage of decomposition. Mhlanga said the forensic team have positively identified the remains and confirmed that Ndlovu and Mdhluli were murdered and dumped in a veld in the Kwa Mhlanga area.
“The media fraternity across South Africa has, for the past two and half months, laboured with the agony of not knowing where the couple had gone. We joined hands and the chorus of our voices in calling for communities and law enforcement agencies to find the couple.
“Following the formation of the task team, more resources were allocated, leading to a breakthrough in the case. This resulted in the arrest of five suspects, three of them appeared in court on Wednesday,” he said.
Mhlanga said he is terribly sad. He said they 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,” said Mhlanga.
The acting Chairperson of the NPC, Antoinette Slabbert said they have undertaken to continue supporting the family during this difficult time, including attendance of the court cases of all the suspects.
“We are confident in the work of the authorities, that they will use all the available resources to bring to book everyone that was involved in the killing of our colleague and his partner.
“We will be in court on Friday where the media application for access to cover the media will be heard. The application was brought by the AMCF and NPC on behalf of the media houses,” she said.
The Guardian 