Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong has welcomed the arrest of four suspects linked to the disappearance of prominent journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli.
This follows a cross-province police operation that led to a breakthrough in Mamelodi and KwaMhlanga over the weekend.
Ndlovu and Mdhluli have been missing since February 18, when they were last seen at Denlyn Mall in Mamelodi West.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Morolong described the arrests as a “significant step forward” in what has become one of the country’s most distressing missing persons cases.
“While investigations are still underway, I want to commend the investigating team for the progress they have made thus far,” Morolong said.
“We continue to hope and pray for the safe return of both Mr Ndlovu and Ms Mdhluli.”
Morolong visited the Ndlovu family on Sunday to offer support on behalf of the government. Before the visit, he received a detailed briefing from police on the progress of the case.
Suspects found in possession of car parts
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that four men have been arrested following a high-level operation led by deputy national commissioner of crime detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya, and acting Mpumalanga provincial commissioner, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi.
“One of the suspects was the last person seen with the missing couple. The others were found in possession of vehicle parts believed to belong to Mr Ndlovu’s car,” said Mathe.
“Two VW Citi Golfs were seized during the operation, and one of the suspects is a mechanic operating in KwaMhlanga.”
Police have since upgraded the case from a missing persons file to charges of kidnapping and car hijacking.
Suspects due in courts this week
Additional charges of house robbery and possession of stolen property may be added.
On Tuesday, one suspect is anticipated to appear at the Mamelodi magistrate’s court, and the other three are scheduled to appear in a KwaMhlanga court later this week.
According to Mathe, a multidisciplinary team is working non-stop to find the missing couple and track down additional suspects.
“This case has mobilised some of our most advanced resources, including SAPS [SA Police Service] air wing, drone pilots, cybercrime, and intelligence units,” she said.
Anyone with information that could help the police is asked to call Brigadier Mxolisi Nama at 082 778 9035, as the investigation is still ongoing.
