The human remains found about a month ago in Rust De Winter, bordering Limpopo and Gauteng, have been positively linked to those of missing journalist, Aserie Ndlovu and his partner.

This follows a search for Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli, after they went missing in February.

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

Mathe advised that both families have been notified.

Seven suspects accused of playing a role in the kidnapping of the couple were previously arrested on charges ranging from kidnapping, house robbery and possession of stolen property.

The accused have since appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrates Court.

The arrests were carried out in May, after police changed the missing person docket into a kidnapping case.

At that time, police seized two vehicles fitted with parts suspected to be from Ndlovu’s car. Officers also recovered items allegedly stolen from the couple’s home.

According to reports, one of the suspects later turned state witness and led police to where the remains were found, about 70 kilometres from where the couple was last seen.

The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) described Ndlovu as playing a pivotal role in community media. He is also known for managing the radio station, Capital Live FM, in Mamelodi. Ndlovu also worked closely with SANEF.

The Forum condemned the violence perpetrated against the media fraternity.

“In July 2023, the media fraternity mourned the brutal killing of Independent Media’s Bongani Mbatha in KwaZulu-Natal – a case that remains unresolved by the police. Another journalist killed in KZN in 2023 was veteran newsman Jeffrey Zikhali, who was shot and thrown out of his vehicle,” read a SANEF statement.

This article has been updated with additional information.

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