African Media Forum applauds court ruling to allow media access into missing journalist and partner case

JOHANNESBURG - The African Media Forum (AMF) has expressed relief following a court ruling allowing the media access to cover the proceedings in the case of missing Journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli. 

The couple went missing in February, and it's alleged that they may have been shot and killed after remains with gunshot wounds were found in bushes in Limpopo last week.

DNA tests are still being conducted.

On Monday, two of the five suspects appeared briefly in the KwaMhlanga Magistrates Court, but the matter was once again postponed for further investigation and a possible bail application. 

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

AMF spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said, "We are relieved that the media has finally granted permission to cover this matter, it's a very important one. It's about a journalist, so it would be inconceivable that the media is not allowed to cover a case that involves their colleague."

He said that police were working to verify whether the remains found were those of the couple.

"We understand it's a complicated one. We had a briefing by one of the investigating officers who indicated that there's different technology that is used to obtain the results and that one would be utilised and another one would possibly also be utilised to make sure that a good job is done on this one."

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