Relief and sorrow – DNA links bodies to journalist Sibusiso Ndlovu, partner Zodwa Mdhluli

“The South African Police Services can now confirm that a DNA analysis has been concluded and has positively linked the remains to those of Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli,” the SAPS said on Wednesday, 5 June.

The couple went missing on 18 February 2025. Their remains were discovered by police in Rust de Winter on the boundary between Limpopo and Gauteng on 8 May 2025. They were found a few days after police arrested multiple suspects in connection with the couple’s disappearance, including a driver who is believed to have worked for the couple. 

“The human remains were analysed and matched with the reference sample of the biological relatives of the deceased,” SAPS said. “A positive DNA match thus confirms the discovered remains are those of the missing couple.”

Read more: Police discover bodies believed to be those of missing journalist and his partner

Ndlovu, who headed Capital Live FM in Pretoria, was last seen leaving his place of work on 18 February 2025 and is believed to have later met Mdhluli before they both disappeared. 

The African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) said they had taken note of the latest developments. 

“We wish to convey our gratitude to the SAPS for keeping to their promise that in four weeks the results would be available. We confirm that the families in Ga-Rankuwa (Ndlovu) and Tembisa (Mdhluli) were visited earlier this evening by the police, where the results were disclosed to them,” said Elijah Mhlanga, chairperson of the AMCF, on Wednesday night. 

The AMCF and NPC offered a R50,0000 reward in the search for the couple.

Read more: Alleged mastermind behind missing journalist and partner’s disappearance believed to have worked for them

Mdhluli’s friend, Bongi Mokoena, told Daily Maverick on Thursday: “I was never ready. Yes, we needed closure, but it’s accompanied with great pain as it still leaves us with a lot of questions.”

Mokoena said that with eight people arrested in connection with their disappearance and deaths, it seemed to suggest that a syndicate was involved. However, she said there was still little clarity about why Ndlovu and Mdhluli had been targeted.

“These people were breadwinners. I am still not convinced without knowing the motive for their murders. What is also heartbreaking is that the suspects are not even showing any remorse in court,” Mokoena said.

Mokoena said that despite all the grey areas, she was happy that the family had some measure of relief. 

“I am glad that their remains were discovered so that they can be laid to rest with dignity.”

Calvin Rafadi, a crime expert and research associate at the University of Johannesburg, praised the police for their efficiency in fast-tracking the DNA analysis report.

“This timely action by the police has brought some relief to the grieving families, who can now proceed with funeral arrangements,” said Rafadi.

Rafadi, who has been actively involved in assisting with the case and offering continuous support to both affected families, emphasised that this was not the end.

“We will continue offering our full support to the families until justice is served and those responsible are sentenced by the courts,” Rafadi said.

The AMCF said the latest developments were not surprising. “The developments do not come as a surprise, as the location where the remains were discovered was pointed out by the suspects, following their arrest,” Mhlanga said. 

“As the AMCF and NPC, we welcome this milestone in the investigation as it leads the families closer to the truth.”

Mdhluli’s friend Mokoena also extended her appreciation to members of the media who had kept the matter alive. 

“We would still be in the dark, not knowing what happened to them,” Mokoena said. 

“It’s hard to say goodbye to Zoe because her life was cut short. But Christ has gained another angel in her,” she said.

Read more: Police ‘closing in’ as new leads emerge in disappearance of journalist and partner

Eight suspects have been arrested and have appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrates’ Court. When the first suspects were arrested, they initially faced charges of kidnapping, robbery and housebreaking, but will now be charged with murder and defeating the ends of justice.

One of the eight, Sello Uoane, had his parole revoked twice before his latest arrest, once after it surfaced that he had allegedly committed rape, but the case was struck from the roll. Then, in October 2023, his parole was again revoked after an arrest on unlicensed firearm charges. That case was also struck from the court roll. DM