Slain journalist and partner remembered at a memorial service

The late founder of a local radio station and dedicated journalist, Sibusiso Ndlovu, was celebrated as a hardworking champion with a clear vision and an infectious smile. Heartfelt tributes were offered at the joint memorial service for Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhluli, at the GCIS Auditorium in Pretoria.

The couple’s disappearance in February sparked an investigation that ultimately led to the discovery of their skeletal remains in the Rust de Winter bushes in Limpopo in May.

The memorial service was a poignant moment for the Ndlovu and Mdhluli families, friends, and colleagues who gathered to pay their respects to the couple.

A particularly emotional moment came when Treasure Ndlovu, Sibusiso’s son, delivered a heartfelt tribute to his parents, struggling to hold back tears as he shared profound words about the time he spent with his family.

“No matter what the situation was at the house with both of them, no matter how wrong I would have been, I always felt their love, and they are the ones who would make sure that on holidays I am with family. Even on the days that I wanted to be alone, they would move from KwaMhlanga and pick me up, go back with me there, and spend Christmas with them. The time I spent with them was beautiful,” says Treasure.

Ndlovu’s former colleagues also paid emotional tribute, sharing touching sentiments about their fallen friend and media professional.
“There is a lot of stuff that I really did with Sibusiso. There are a lot of places that we went to, and some of the other projects that I did, I would call Sibusiso and say, ‘Look, this is the project that I want to start. Can you help me just to brainstorm some ideas and do a proposal?’ And he wouldn’t hesitate. He would do that, and the outcome would be great. I will miss his hand, I will miss his advice, and I will miss his love,” says one of his former colleagues.

“We have really become a family. We have become so close. We all came together to look for our people. Since that first time we heard that Aserie is missing, everybody has made such a contribution in their own way,” says another former colleague.

Brigadier Lindiwe Dlamini from the SAPS in KwaMhlanga praised the team’s tireless efforts in supporting and keeping the family informed throughout the process.

Dlamini says they started searching for Sibusiso in February.

“On the 19th of February 2025, a missing case was opened at the Mamelodi SAPS. It was opened for Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu, but the investigation led to KwaMhlanga, to a place called Mahlabathini. That was his place of residence, where it was discovered that there had been a break-in at his house, and a case of housebreaking and theft was opened at KwaMhlanga SAPS. Two days later, a missing person’s report was filed for Zodwa Precious Mdhluli at the KwaMhlanga SAPS. Further investigation revealed that it was a case of house robbery, kidnapping, theft, and double murder,” says Dlamini.

The brigadier confirmed the case remains ongoing, with the suspects set to appear in court.
“The case is still before the court at KwaMhlanga Magistrates’ Court, and the next appearance is scheduled for the 20th of June, which is this Friday.
All suspects remain in custody, and none of them has been granted bail,” says Dlamini.

Zodwa Precious Mdhluli’s funeral will take place on Friday in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, and Sibusiso Ndlovu’s funeral will be held on Saturday in Mahlabathini at KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

Remembering Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu, Zodwa Mdhluli: