Three additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of journalist Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdluli, bringing the total number of accused to eight. The trio, aged between 23 and 43, was apprehended yesterday in Nokaneng, KwaMhlanga, and is set to appear in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court tomorrow on charges of kidnapping, house robbery, and hijacking.
Court Appearance Delayed for Further Investigation
The suspects were initially expected in court today, but logistical issues necessitated a postponement. According to Acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Zafu Kwanazi, investigators needed more time to take the suspects to the crime scene for identification and to gather further evidence.
“Police are taking them to the crime scene today so they can explain their roles in the incident,” said an SABC News reporter who has been closely following the case. “One of the suspects is believed to be the shooter who killed the pair.”
Gruesome Discovery and DNA Tests Pending
The arrests come as the families of Ndlovu and Mdluli await DNA test results to confirm whether recently discovered human remains belong to the missing journalists. Clothes believed to be theirs were found at the scene where the remains were recovered in Limpopo.
The pair went missing on February 18, 2025, after allegedly being abducted from their home in Modimolle. Initial reports suggested they were last seen at Mainland Mall, but further investigations revealed a violent home invasion in which suspects—including a man known to the victims, ransacked the house before taking them away.
Complex Case with Multiple Suspects
The case has grown increasingly complex, with five suspects already having appeared in court last week.
Authorities have assured the public that they are working to expedite the DNA testing process, despite backlogs, to bring closure to the grieving families.
The court proceedings tomorrow are expected to shed more light on the suspects’ involvement, as police continue to piece together the events leading to the journalists’ disappearance.
