By Everson Luhanga
- Police arrested five suspects with the couple’s belongings and say one motive was an unpaid debt.
- Ndlovu and Mdluli were kidnapped from their home, murdered and dumped 17km away in the bush.
Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdluli were kidnapped from their home — then brutally murdered and dumped in the bush.
Sources close to the family said the suspects allegedly killed Ndlovu because he owed them money. They said they killed him to clear the debt.
The couple were taken from their home in KwaMhlanga and later found dead in a veld between Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Their bodies were discovered after an intensive investigation by the special police units who have been searching for their disappearance since February.
Elija Mhlanga, chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum, had been involved in the search. He confirmed the forensic team had positively identified the couple.
“I am terribly sad. We had 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,” he said.
Earlier this week, police arrested five suspects. They were caught with the couple’s stolen furniture, appliances and car parts. The pair had been missing since 18 February.
The suspects showed police several places before leading them to where the bodies were found — 17km from KwaMhlanga, where the couple lived.
They face charges including kidnapping, carjacking, house robbery and possession of stolen goods and vehicles.
Sources close to the family say the suspects allegedly kidnapped Zodwa first, then waited for Ndlovu to come home from work before grabbing him too. After killing the couple and dumping their bodies, they went back to ransack the house.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, condemned the murders on behalf of the presidency and the Government Communication and Information System.
“On behalf of the presidency and the communications and information system of government, we condemn this senseless, barbaric and brute act of violence. Mr Ndlovu served the public through his work in the media sector, contributing meaningfully to our democracy by informing and educating citizens.
“The loss of both Mr Ndlovu and Ms Mdluli is a tragedy that highlights the need to continue strengthening efforts to combat violent crime.”
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said the suspects led police to the location where the bodies were found.
“The area where the remains were found was pointed out by suspects as the place where they left the pair,” he said.
Masemola said DNA tests would confirm if the bodies are indeed those of Ndlovu and Mdluli. Special teams of cybercrime, organised crime and violent crime experts have been brought in.
Ndlovu founded the local radio station Capital Live in Soshanguve, Tshwane. He previously worked at African Eye News and other media houses in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
Pictured above: Murdered journalist Sibusiso Mdluli and his partner Zodwa Ndlovu.
Image source: Supplied
