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Police Arrest Trio Linked to Disappearance of Journalist and Partner

Published

4 months ago

May 14, 2025

taryn

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli. Human remains believed to be the couple’s were discovered on Monday night near Rust De Winter in Mpumalanga.

Police made the arrests early on Tuesday morning, 13 May, during a coordinated operation in Nokaneng. One of the suspects remains unnamed, while the others have been identified as 24-year-old Thato “Small” Madisha and 43-year-old Sello Uoane.

#sapsHQ National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola appreciates community assistance in case of Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli as additional arrests registered. Three additional suspects, aged between 23 and 43, were arrested at Nokaneng area in Kwamhlanga, bringing… pic.twitter.com/B78ZxfU2LG

— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) May 13, 2025

According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the breakthrough followed a public alert issued on Saturday, 10 May, appealing for help in tracking two outstanding suspects.

SAPS crime intelligence, cybercrime experts, and detectives joined forces to locate and arrest the suspects at a known hideout. During the operation, officers also uncovered human remains at the scene.

Read More: Journalist’s disappearance: Mechanic among four arrested by police

Police believe the remains belong to Ndlovu and Mdhluli, though DNA testing is still underway to confirm their identities using samples from the victims’ families.

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola praised the public and social media users for spreading the alert and helping police locate the suspects.

“We thank the people of South Africa, particularly Mpumalanga, who have assisted our investigating team,” said Masemola. “The social media community must also be appreciated for sharing the suspects’ pictures far and wide.”

SAPS has yet to confirm the motive or timeline of the crime. Investigations are ongoing.