Almost a month after community radio journalist Sibusiso Aseri Ndlovu and his wife Zodwa Precious Mdhluli disappeared, calls have now been intensified for the safe return of the couple.
Earlier this month, IOL reported that there has been growing despondency among media practitioners across Gauteng, after the disappearance of the journalist and his partner.
In a statement, chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum, Elijah Mhlanga said it is now more than 20 days since Ndlovu and Mdhluli went missing.
The couple was last seen in separate locations: Mdhluli at their home in KwaMhlanga, and Ndlovu leaving his workplace at Capital FM Live offices in Denlyn Mall, Mamelodi.
The African Media and Communicators Forum alongside the National Press Club have appealed to anyone with information to come forward, particularly from the Mpumalanga and Gauteng areas.
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“The case has raised concerns due to the circumstances of their disappearance, including a reported burglary at their home, which suggests foul play. We are increasingly concerned over the couple's safety, especially because the last time either one of them was last seen was 20 days ago,” said Elijah Mhlanga, chairperson of the African Media and Communicators Forum.
“The community and authorities are encouraged to assist in any way possible to help bring the couple home safely.
“The African Media and Communicators Forum continues to seek public support and media coverage to aid in the search and to keep the couple's story in the public eye, hoping for a resolution to this distressing situation. The more people keep talking about this story, the better the chances of finding them alive,” said Mhlanga, a veteran journalist and seasoned government spokesperson.
Mhlanga said the media fraternity has its fingers crossed, hoping that the South African Police Service will soon make a breakthrough in the puzzling case.
“Each day that passes without any information is concerning. People don’t just vanish into thin air. Someone must have seen or heard something on that fateful day,” Mhlanga added.
Ndlovu is the founder of Capital Live FM, a community radio station based at Denlyn Mall in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.
The affable Ndlovu is also an active member of the National Press Club.
“We would like to convey our growing concerns regarding the missing couple. We earnestly implore our dedicated law enforcement agencies to persist in utilising their expertise and resources to help locate them,” said Antoinette Slabbert, acting chairperson of the National Press Club.
Ndlovu was last seen wearing blue jeans, a white long-sleeved top and a pair of sneakers.
Anyone with any information pertaining to the couple is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Lekganyane at Mamelodi West SAPS on 067 916 8968, referencing case number 08/02/2025.
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