KWAMHLANGA – A new suspect, Isaac Mashilo, has been added to the group of four men accused of kidnapping and killing journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli.
Mashilo, believed to be one of the masterminds behind the house robbery that led to the couple’s abduction, was recently arrested and appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court.
The case has been postponed to July 4, 2025 to allow the Middelburg Director of Public Prosecutions time to review the docket and determine the way forward. The postponement will also give Mashilo an opportunity to apply for bail.
Mashilo brings the total number of suspects to eight. Five are charged with kidnapping and murder, while three, including a minor, face charges of carjacking and theft.
All eight suspects remain in custody and face serious charges including kidnapping, murder, and possession of stolen property.
Ndlovu and Mdhluli were reported missing on February 18, 2025. Their bodies were discovered on May 8, in Rust de Winter, Limpopo, and DNA confirmation was released on June 4.
Ndlovu was buried in eMahlabathini, KwaMhlanga, on what would have been his 39th birthday, Saturday, June 21, 2025. Mdhluli was laid to rest a day earlier on Friday, June 20, in Mahushu, Hazyview.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, paid tribute to Ndlovu, saying, “We are confident that our criminal justice system will ensure that those responsible for his death fully face the law. We intend to make sure of it.”
Sfiso Ndlovu, the younger brother of the late journalist, expressed gratitude to the community, various media houses, friends, colleagues, family members and government for their support. “It was not easy for our family to handle this from day one they went missing, but your unwavering support has helped us carry on. We hope and believe the justice system will fairly play its role.”
