Families of slain journalist and partner yet to bury loved ones

The families of slain journalist Asarie Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdluli have described the confirmation of their deaths as their worst nightmare.

The couple went missing in February this year and days later, police issued a missing persons alert. Their decomposed remains were discovered in Rust de Winter.

Their families have since expressed heartbreak but say they are relieved that DNA tests have finally confirmed the identities of their loved ones.

Four of the eight suspects linked to the case have been arrested and are facing charges including kidnapping, house robbery, and possession of stolen property.

Elvis Ndlovu, brother of the late journalist Ndlovu, affectionately known as Aserie, says his mother was unable to hold back her tears as she was overwhelmed with emotion when the police confirmed that the remains belonged to her son.

“When the police informed our mother about the DNA results, she struggled to accept the news. She had hope that my brother was still alive, but her worst nightmare was confirmed when we would never see my brother again.”

VIDEO | Families of journalist Aseri Ndlovu, partner Zodwa Mdluli, distraught as police conclude DNA tests

‘The reality is painful’

The younger sister of  Mdluli, Lillian Mokgana, says she is devastated and heartbroken because she had hoped her sister would be found alive.

“The reality is painful, but the confirmation of her passing brings some relief, as we can now lay her to rest with dignity and begin the process of healing. We will have closure, unlike other families that are still looking for their loved ones.

Mdluli’s eldest son, Treasure, says his younger brother is deeply distressed and struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. He says the family is now seeking psychological support to help him cope with the trauma.

“My brother, who is in Grade 11, is struggling to come to terms with the loss of our mother. This tragedy is heavy on us adults, so I can only imagine what it must be doing to him. He really needs to get counselling, although I can tell that he won’t forget easily.”

Although neither family has announced the burial dates for their loved ones, the Ndlovu family has confirmed that Sibusiso Ndlovu’s funeral will be held in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.