Cape Town – South African Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the disappearance of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli, whose remains were discovered on Monday evening near Rust De Winter in Mpumalanga.
According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the arrests came after a public alert was issued on Saturday, 10 May, requesting assistance in locating two outstanding suspects linked to the case.
A coordinated operation involving SAPS crime intelligence officers, detectives, and the cybercrime unit led to the arrest of the suspects at a hideout in Nokaneng.
The suspects — identified as 24-year-old Thato “Small” Madisha and 43-year-old Sello Uoane — were apprehended in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 13 May.
A third suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was also taken into custody.
#sapsHQ National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola appreciates community assistance in case of Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli as additional arrests registered. Three additional suspects, aged between 23 and 43, were arrested at Nokaneng area in Kwamhlanga, bringing… pic.twitter.com/B78ZxfU2LG
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 13, 2025
During the operation, officers discovered human remains believed to be those of Ndlovu and Mdhluli. Police confirmed that DNA testing is currently underway to match the remains with samples provided by the victims’ families.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola expressed gratitude to members of the public and the social media community for assisting in the breakthrough.
“We thank the people of South Africa, particularly Mpumalanga, who have assisted our investigating team in tracing these suspects,” said Masemola.
“The social media community must also be appreciated for sharing the pictures of these suspects far and wide. Together, we can do more with the cooperation of communities in fighting crime and apprehending dangerous criminals.”
The SAPS has not released details on the motive or timeline of the alleged crime, but investigations are ongoing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
