KwaMhlanga — Five people facing charges of robbery, kidnapping and murdering Sibusiso “Aserie” Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli appeared before the KwaMhlanga Magistrate Court on 10 November 2025.
Ndlovu was the founder of Mamelodi-based Capital Live SA 99.0 FM. The couple’s disappearance on 18 February 2025 shocked both families and South Africa’s media fraternity.
CCTV footage showed Ndlovu leaving at Denlyn Mall in Mamelodi. Later that evening, he and Mdhluli were seen leaving their home in Mahlabathini, KwaMhlanga, and thereafter their phone rang unanswered and messages unread.
At their ransacked home, police found signs of a break-in and several appliances were missing, along with several unauthorised withdrawals from Ndlovu’s bank account. Investigations suggested the couple were attacked, robbed, and later taken to a remote area, where they were killed.
The African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) offered a R100,000 reward for information leading to the couple’s whereabouts.
In March 2025, the police recovered two VW Citi Golfs with body parts belonging to Ndlovu’s car, along with several of the stolen appliances.
A month later, on 8 May 2025, the police were led to a secluded area in Rust de Winter, between Limpopo and Gauteng, where two sets of human remains were found in an advanced stage of decomposition, with clothing matching the victims.
DNA tests later confirmed the remains belonged to Ndlovu and Mdhluli. The Mpumalanga SAPS in collaboration with the Provincial Tracking Team and the Organised Crime Unit, finally made a breakthrough that Samuel Mogowe, previously a key witness, was now a suspect.
Magowe, a car mechanic, is accused of hijacking the couple along with Lucky Michael Skosana (40) and a 17-year-old male while Sello Skhalo Uoane (44) and Thabang Isaac Hlophe (25) believed to have pulled the trigger and Thato David Small Madisha (30) for robbery,
The case has been postponed to 19 November 2025 and the five accussed— Mogowe, Skosana, Madisha and Hlophe remain in custody. However, one of them, Uoane, who was on parole for a conviction in 2017 for attempted murder and robbery, is back in prison.
The AMCF and NPC have pledged to attend every court sitting and support the families until justice is served.
Ndlovu will be remembered as a mentor and visionary in community-driven media. Through Capital Live SA 99.0 FM, he gave a platform to young voices and underreported stories — a mission rooted in his belief that “information is freedom.” said Mhlanga.
Mdhluli will be remembered for her warmth and unwavering support. Together, they were building a life, one anchored in hope and purpose. Today, their microphones may be silent, but their message, of truth, love, and justice, continues to echo across every newsroom, every home, and every heart that refuses to forget.”
Lina Shabangu, Mdhluli’s mother said she is tired of the postponement of the court cases. “I only just want justice to prevail in my son’s and Makoti’s life, but I will not give up, I will be here until they are sentenced. But the reason for the postponement is understandable, maybe they need more strong concrete evidence, we just want justice. Coming here is like opening the wound each and every day,” she said.
