A moving tribute was held at the GCIS offices in Pretoria on Wednesday, hosted by the National Press Club, where colleagues, friends, and family gathered to honour the memory of the Pretoria-based journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdluli. 

Their bodies were found dumped in a bush at the border of Limpopo and Mpumalanga last month after they went missing on February 18, 2025.

Legendary musician Vusi Mahlasela, speaking on behalf of the family, said the tragic loss of Ndlovu and Mdluli is hard to accept, but brings a sense of closure.

He described Ndlovu as being like a son to him, known for his energetic personality, and revealed they had even co-written songs together.

He shared that he had helped Ndlovu launch his online radio station known as Capital Live FM, with some of the first broadcasts taking place in his own recording studio.

“Sibusiso was part of me, part of my family. At home Sibusisio would be somebody who would manage some of the other things that I would ask him to do…I will miss his hand. I will miss his advice. I will miss his love,” he said.

Mdluli’s son, Treasure Mdluli, fondly recalled the good times with his late mother, describing her as an exceptionally kind person.

“I do not recall a day where she raised her voice at me, no matter how many mistakes I made,” he said.

Ndlovu’s colleague, Mpho Hadzi from Capital Live, said after working with him for 10 years, the tribute allows people to honour and celebrate his life and legacy.

He shared a fond memory of how Ndlovu never let passengers play their own music in his car, but there was one exception when he made an allowance on a trip to Polokwane.

The SAPS recounted the efforts that followed after Ndlovu and Mdluli were reported missing, saying the SAPS worked tirelessly day and night, walking the journey with the families from start to finish.

A missing person’s case was initially opened in Mamelodi, and the investigation led to KwaMhlanga, specifically Mahlabathini, their place of residence, where a break-in at a house was discovered.

A case of housebreaking and theft was opened at KwaMahlanga SAPS, but two days later, a missing person report was filed for Zodwa Mdluli. Further investigation reclassified the case to house robbery, kidnapping, and recovery of stolen goods.

A four-day search by the task team culminated in the discovery of two bodies in a dense, bushy area on the Limpopo-Mpumalanga border. DNA samples from relatives subsequently confirmed the remains were those of the missing couple.

The case is still pending at the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court, with the next hearing scheduled for June 20, 2025. 

The arrested suspects remain in police custody, with none having been granted bail.

National Press Club acting chairperson Antoinette Slabbert described Ndlovu as having a big personality and a lovely voice, saying: “We will miss him so much. I did not know Zodwa (Mdluli) personally but through the eyes of those who loved her, through her beautiful tall boys, you got to know her. And she will surely be missed.”

The couple will be laid to rest on June 21.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

Source link