Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has requested the SAPS to allocate further assets to research the disappearance of Pretoria-based journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu, final seen on February 18, 2025.
Lesufi visited the Ndlovu’s household in Ga-Rankuwa on Wednesday, providing phrases of consolation to the journalist’s mom, Mam’uNdlovu, who expressed her anguish over her son’s unknown whereabouts.
Ndlovu and his associate, Zodwa Mdhluli, have been reported lacking on February 18, prompting SAPS to launch a search operation.
Mdhluli was final noticed in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, whereas Ndlovu was seen leaving his Mamelodi office at Denlyn Mall in Mamelodi sporting blue denims, a blue and white long-sleeve shirt, and Nike sneakers.
Ndlovu was a journalist and founding father of an internet radio Capital Dwell SA 99.0 FM.
Since Mdhluli’s case is dealt with by Mpumalanga police and Ndlovu’s by Gauteng police, Lesufi assured that the cross-border side was not a priority as SAPS was working as one unit and had already shared essential info.
Concerning his go to to the household, he stated: “My presence right here at this time is simply to guarantee the household that we’re engaged on the matter. I received a really encouraging full briefing from the law-enforcement companies and investigating officers. Considered one of them briefed me on what they’ve accomplished and what they nonetheless must do.”
He expressed hope that progress was being made on the case and belief that the police would conclude the case and produce closure to the household.
“I’m a bit of bit satisfied that a minimum of there’s motion. I believed that they’d put the file apart. I’ve assured them no matter assets that they should crack the case they are going to get that help from us and hopefully the household can be sturdy as properly. It’s not a simple case,” he stated.
Lesufi additionally posted on X that the matter should be resolved and {that a} journalist and his associate can’t simply vanish.
“I’ve requested the legislation enforcement companies so as to add extra assets on this matter,” he stated.
His go to to the household adopted the Nationwide Press Membership and African Media and Communications Discussion board’s final month announcement of a R50,000 reward for details about the lacking couple.
The media organisations had additionally reported that they searched mortuaries and hospitals, however these efforts yielded no outcomes.
Legendary musician, Vusi Mahlasela, who not too long ago spoke on behalf of the household throughout one other media briefing, requested for prayer from communities for the pair to return residence protected.
“We’re so heartbroken however we have to accommodate the positiveness in us. We’re asking for assist from each nook of this world and naturally the prayers,” he stated.
Each households, he stated, have been inserting their belief within the police to find the lacking pair, and have been awaiting the result of the continued investigation into their disappearance.
Mahlasela described Ndlovu as a free-spirited individual and “not the sort of an individual you’ll suppose he’s in bother with anyone”.
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za
