3 more suspects nabbed in connection with disappearance of journo and his partner

JOHANNESBURG - Three more people have been arrested in connection with the case of missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli.

This brings to eight the number of suspects who’ve been handcuffed since last week.

Part of the latest arrest includes the two most wanted people who are alleged to have information about the couple’s disappearance. 

Ndlovu and Mdhuli disappeared in February this year.

The suspects, aged between 23 and 43, were found in KwaMhlanga, in Mpumalanga, on Monday after police received information. 

Since the couple mysteriously vanished, police have changed their missing persons investigation into one of kidnapping, hijacking and house robbery. 

Five suspects arrested earlier this month have since appeared before the KwaMhlanga Magistrates Court and face charges of kidnapping and possession of stolen property. 

Among the arrested suspects is a 17-year-old boy - Samuel Mogonwe - who police believe to be the alleged mastermind behind the crimes. 

Last week, two skeletal remains were also discovered in thick bushes in Rust De Winter in Limpopo, believed to belong to the missing couple; however, tests are underway to determine the identities of the remains. 

The three suspects arrested on Tuesday will be making an appearance at the KwaMhlanga Magistrates Court on Wednesday on charges of kidnapping, hijacking and house robbery. 

COURT DELAYS

Further delays have dragged the court matter of the missing journalists.

On Monday, two of the five accused, Mogongwe and Sikhosana, made another brief appearance in the KwaMhlanga Magistrates Court. They each face two charges of kidnapping. 

However, the proceedings ground to a halt for further investigation and a possible bail application. 

The court did, however, make a ruling, granting the media access to record proceedings. 

The families, who are still awaiting results from DNA tests being conducted on remains found last week, said they were frustrated by the delays.

Mdhluli's aunt, Florence Mañana, said all they want is to find and bury their loved ones. 

“This is a very big case and almost now I think the whole world knows about it. And everyone is anxious, they want to know what will be the results of everything.”