Where are they? Media fraternity seeks answers on missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu and partner

It has been two weeks since community radio journalist Aserie Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli vanished without a trace, and despondency has been growing among members of the media fraternity across South Africa.

Ndlovu runs his CapitalLive FM, a community radio station with offices at Denlyn Mall in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.

According to the couple’s families, Ndlovu and Mdhluli went missing on February 18 even though they were in different provinces. Ndlovu left Denlyn Mall in Gauteng in the evening of February 18 while his lover vanished from Mpumalanga.

Ndlovu was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue and white long-sleeve shirt, and Nike sneakers. His mobile phone is not reachable.

On Monday, IOL reported that police in Gauteng are searching for Ndlovu and Mdhluli. Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that Ndlovu was reported missing in Mamelodi.

"He was last seen leaving his workplace on the 18th of February 2025 at approximately 6pm.

"Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the search to please call Sergeant Lekganyane on 082 768 6433 or call the nearest police station,” he said.

Veteran journalist, communications specialist and chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum, Elijah Mhlanga said the disappearance of Ndlovu and Mdhluli has caused anxiety within the South African media circles.                                             

“As the African Media and Communication Forum we are extremely worried and anxious about our brother and colleague Aserie Ndlovu and his wife Zodwa Mdlhluli. With each passing day we become increasingly concerned about their safety,” Mhlanga told IOL.

“We hope they are alive and that they will return to tell of their ordeal. It’s a complex situation which the police will hopefully be able to solve. All we need is our brother and his wife back.”

Sithembile Moyo, publisher and owner of Inner City Gazette and Joburg Gazette added her voice to the demands for the missing couple’s safe return.   

“The disappearance of Aserie has left an unsettling void in our community, and we're united in our call for his safe return. As colleagues, we're deeply invested in Aserie's well-being and that of his girlfriend, and we urge anyone with information to come forward. His absence has sparked a wave of concern and uncertainty, and we're committed to support his loved ones until the couple is found,” she said.

“We stand in solidarity, demanding answers and action to ensure Aserie and Zodwa’s safe return and reunification with their families and friends. Our thoughts are with Aserie and Zodwa’s loved ones during this challenging time, and we'll continue to advocate for their safe return, until they are back home.”

South African-based Turkish journalist Turkmen Terzi who is Ndlovu’s friend told IOL that he has been thrust into distressby the news of Ndlovu’s disappearance.

“Aserie is not just a journalist, he is a father, a husband, and a son. Zodwa, too, has a family anxiously waiting for her. Their absence is a painful reminder of the risks we face in this field. I understand Aserie’s situation all too well, as I have personally faced threats from Turkish authorities due to my reporting on President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s corruption and the unresolved mysteries surrounding the July 15, 2016, coup attempt. Under Erdoğan’s rule, 170 media houses have been shut down, and critical journalists have been silenced,” said Terzi.

“While I deeply value South Africa’s media freedom, the high crime rate poses significant dangers, and kidnappings have become alarmingly frequent. Although we do not yet know what happened to Aserie and Zodwa, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for greater security measures to protect journalists. Media practitioners must remain vigilant, and law enforcement must ensure our safety.”

Media specialist Lazarus Tshwari also added his voice: “I am worried about Aserie’s mysterious disappearance, no one can just disappear like that, one in Gauteng and his partner in Mpumalanga. This is very concerning. I’m praying for their safe return”.

Television news reporter, Princess Siziba told IOL that the disappearance of Ndlovu and Mdhluli has rekindled memories of her tough experiences while gathering news. 

“Every time his disappearance crosses my mind, l try to brush it away because l know if he is kept in captivity ,l know what he is going through cos l have been there and it's something l don't wish on anyone. l spoke to Aserie a week before his disappearance. He was joking about me taking pictures of him regularly, yet I do not send the pictures to him. Such a humble person.

"I personally plead for his safe return," said Siziba.

On the other hand, veteran journalist and photographer, Diana Chiyangwa also pleaded for the safe return of the missing couple. 

"The disappearance of Aserie Ndlovu and his partner comes three months after I attended and participated in the African Investigative Journalism Conference in Wits University. Journalism is not a crime was our motto, it resonates with the couples disappearance and I believe they chose this career to tell people's stories and their everyday experiences," she said.

"Their disappearance raises concerns if the targeting of journalists is a new trend. We have seen it happening in Zimbabwe and in other countries in the Southern African region. We plead for the couples safe return. We also plead with SAPS to add more resources to find Aserie and his partner."

On Sunday, family representative Vusi Mahlasela appealed to anyone that can assist to help find Ndlovu and his partner. Mahlasela also urged people to also pray for the missing couple. 

"Have positive prayers, more so that the couple can come back home safely. We are not going to talk about them as past tense. We have to be positive and be positive. 

"Thinking is like a constant prayer. Let's think positive. And that we will be able to see them. All the family is asking for is help from all sides, all corners," he said.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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