Johannesburg – The identities of two individuals, missing journalist Sibusiso “Aserie” Ndlovu and his companion, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli, have been confirmed by a police forensic team.

This couple, who were reported missing on 18 February 2025, were tragically found murdered, their remains discarded in a field in the Kwa Mhlanga region of Mpumalanga.

In light of this sorrowful incident, the African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) expressed their astonishment, disbelief, and grief over the loss of the respected media figure and his partner on Thursday, 8 May 2025.

“The remains of the couple were located on Thursday morning, exhibiting substantial signs of decomposition,” the AMCF and NPC stated in a joint release.

“The forensic team has successfully confirmed their identities, establishing that Ndlovu and Mdhluli were murdered and discarded in a field in Kwa Mhlanga.”

For more than two and a half months, the media community across South Africa suffered through the uncertainty concerning the couple’s fate.

“We raised our voices collectively, urging both the public and law enforcement to find the couple,” they mentioned.

“The formation of a task force led to enhanced resources, ultimately facilitating a breakthrough in the investigation,” noted Elijah Mhlanga, Chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum.

“This initiative resulted in the arrest of five suspects, three of whom appeared in court on Wednesday. I am deeply heartbroken.

“We maintained hope that, despite the prolonged time of their absence, the couple would be found alive.

“We offer our sincere condolences to the families of our dear colleagues.”

The AMCF and NPC have committed to providing ongoing support to the family during this difficult time, including attending court proceedings for all implicated suspects.

“We trust in the authorities and their dedication to utilizing all available resources to ensure justice is served for our colleague and his partner,” stated NPC Acting Chairperson Antoinette Slabbert.

“We will be present in court on Friday, 9 May 2025, where a media application for access to cover the proceedings will be reviewed.”

This application was submitted by the AMCF and NPC on behalf of various media organizations.