KWAMHLANGA – The case against five men accused of kidnapping and murdering journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdluli, has been transferred to the Middelburg High Court for trial.
The KwaMhlanga Regional Court transferred the matter after the State served its indictment on the accused. The trial is scheduled to take place from 4 to 15 October 2027.
The accused are Father Samuel Mogowe (40), Lucky Micheal Skosana (40), Sello Edward Uone (44), Thatho David Madisha (24) and Thabang Isaac Hlophe (30).
They face two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping and robbery.
According to the State, Ndlovu and Mdluli were reported missing in February 2025. Following an investigation, their remains were discovered approximately three months later in Rust de Winter, near the Limpopo-Gauteng border.
The discovery led to the arrest of the five accused in May 2025. They have remained in custody since their arrests.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the matter has been enrolled for trial in the High Court, where the State will present its case.
“The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to ensuring that all matters involving serious and violent crimes are prosecuted without fear, favour, or prejudice, and that justice is pursued on behalf of victims and their families,” the NPA said in a court update on 29 September 2026.
The five accused remain innocent until proven guilty.
