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Handcuffs and fingerprints.
National Police Spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says more arrests are imminent in the case of missing journalist, Aserie Ndlovu, and his partner.
This after the police arrested four suspects of interest in connection with the couple’s disappearance.
The first suspect, who is understood to be the last person to be in the company of the missing couple, is expected to appear before the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court in Tuesday. The second, third and fourth suspects were found with different vehicle parts believed to be that of the missing journalist. One of those arrested is said to be a mechanic who builds and fixes cars in the KwaMhlanga area.
Mathe says the search for the missing couple continues.
“We’ve also roped in our air wing support. We’ve also roped in our K9 Search and Rescue and other units that will assist us to effect more arrests because we do believe that these four did not work alone and they worked with more suspects. So, we are aware that those suspects are aware that we are searching for them. But we are hot on their heels, and as soon as they are apprehended we will be able to bring a water tight case before court,” says Mathe.
Missing Journo Update | Four suspects of interest arrested: Brig Athlenda Mathe
National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has welcomed the breakthrough in the case of Ndlovu and his partner.
Mathe says the charges have been changed from that of missing persons to those of kidnapping and hijacking with the possibility of adding more charges.
“Two VW Citi Golfs that were found in possession of the suspects have been seized. The SAPS has since changed the missing persons case to a kidnapping and car hijacking case. Additional charges such as house robbery and being in possession of stolen property are likely to be added,” says Mathe.
“A multidisciplinary team involving crime and counter intelligence, cybercrime unit, organised crime detectives, serious and violent crimes detectives, SAPS Airwing as well as SAPS drone pilots are amongst the units involved in the case. The search is still on for the missing couple and for other suspects,” she adds.
Deputy Minister visits family of missing journalist:
