Johannesburg – Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong recently met with the families of missing journalist Sibusiso “Aserie” Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

Ndlovu, the founder of Capital Live FM, and his partner were reported missing on February 18, 2025.

During the visit on Sunday, May 4, 2025, Deputy Minister Morolong stated, “We are encouraged by the reports we are receiving.”

This visit followed concerns raised just a day earlier regarding the sluggish progression of the investigation into the couple’s disappearance.

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“Sometimes, the lack of communication hampers police efforts, but we urge you to provide updates, even at a high level, to reassure the families,” Deputy Minister Morolong said.

“It is crucial for our brother and sister to be found alive.”

Morolong highlighted that consistent communication from the police could help bolster public trust, especially in intricate investigations like this one.

Mayor Jacob Dikgale of Thembisile Hani District Municipality noted the police report indicates significant progress has been made.

“We believe this will help restore public confidence in the police,” said the mayor.

“We can only hope that both momentum and communication will improve as we move forward.”

In the meantime, the African Media and Communicators Forum and the National Press Club have welcomed the recent developments.

Both organizations expressed gratitude for the intervention by South African Police Service National Commissioner General Fanie Masemola, who has ordered a dedicated team to prioritize the investigation.

An inter-provincial task force consisting of investigators from Gauteng and Mpumalanga will consolidate and expedite the inquiry into the couple’s disappearance, which occurred 75 days ago.

Earlier in the day, Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi convened a team to update Deputy Minister Morolong on the investigation’s status.

Accompanying Mayor Dikgale and the Deputy Minister, Elijah Mhlanga, Chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum, remarked: “We have received a confidential report, and it is evident that significant progress has been made.”

“We believe a breakthrough is imminent.”

“To support the investigation, we have increased the reward from R50,000 to R100,000.”

“With a communication channel now established among all parties, we look forward to a resolution in this case.”

“We are glad that both the Ndlovu and Mdhluli families were also briefed and are satisfied with the progress achieved so far.”

Antoinette Slabbert, Chairperson of the National Press Club, stated: “We appreciate the swift response to our letter from the national police commissioner, in which we requested his assistance.”

“We are also encouraged by the interest shown by the premiers of Gauteng and Mpumalanga.”

The African Media and Communicators Forum and the National Press Club once again urged the public to remain vigilant for the missing couple and to aid in the search, calling for anyone with information to promptly contact the police.

For anyone with leads or information, please reach out to Brigadier Nama at 082 778 9035 or Brigadier Cele at 082 443 7373.

*All images: GCIS