Pretoria – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that human remains discovered in Rust De Winter have been positively identified through DNA testing as those of missing Pretoria journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli.
Ndlovu and Mdhluli disappeared in February under unexplained circumstances.
Last month, police found skeletal remains with gunshot wounds, thought to be those of the missing couple. The suspects had pointed to this spot as where they abandoned them.
[BREAKING NEWS]
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola says the bodies of what are believed to be missing journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner have been found. DNA testing will confirm the identities. pic.twitter.com/ypkm9SaXjT— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 8, 2025
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said on Wednesday that the DNA analysis was concluded following extensive testing and comparison with reference samples provided by the biological relatives of the deceased.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) has concluded its extensive tests and analysis of human remains found in Rust De Winter earlier presumed to be that of missing Pretoria journalist and his partner,” Mathe said in a statement.
“The SAPS can now confirm that a DNA analysis has been concluded and has positively linked the remains to that of Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli
#sapsHQ The #SAPS has concluded its extensive tests and analysis of human remains found in Rust De Winter earlier presumed to be that of missing Pretoria journalist and his partner.
The SAPS can now confirm that a DNA analysis has been concluded and has positively linked the… pic.twitter.com/WAiSXafAxK
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 4, 2025
“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.”
The identification brings a tragic end to the search for the couple, who were reported missing several weeks ago.
SAPS said both families have been informed of the outcome and the service is “pleased to have assisted to provide closure to both families”.
Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the case. They are currently appearing before the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court on multiple charges, including kidnapping, house robbery, and possession of stolen property.
Police investigations are ongoing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
