Ndlovu & Mdhluli disappearance: Accused claims he was assaulted by police

JOHANNESBURG - Legal proceedings in the disappearance of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, have been suspended.

The pair had been missing for weeks before two bodies believed to be of the couple were found on Thursday.

Accused number one, Samuel Mogongwe, claims to have been assaulted by the police and has been taken for a medical examination.

READ: Messages of support stream in following discovery of remains believed to be Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli

The accused, who is facing two counts of kidnapping, appeared before KwaMhlanga Magistrates Court, along with his co-accused in this case, Lucky Sikhosana, who also faces two counts of kidnapping.

The courtroom was thick with palpable shock on Friday as further delays frustrated those closely following the case.

The court has been suspended until later on Friday as police arrange for the medical examination of the alleged mastermind in the matter, Samuel Mogongwe.

He claims that the police beat him, and his requests for medical attention at a hospital were denied.

Meanwhile, investigations continue.