The families of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Mdhluli are clinging to hope as DNA tests are set to determine whether the remains discovered in Limpopo belong to their missing loved ones. The remains were recovered in bushes in Rust de Winter on Thursday, close to three months after the couple mysteriously disappeared on 18 February.
Authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with the couple’s disappearance, with police indicating that one of the suspects led them to the location where the remains were found, situated over 70km from where Ndlovu and Mdhluli were last seen.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed that DNA testing is the next step, although no specific timeframe has been provided regarding when the results will be available. The uncertainty has left the families in a state of anguish.
Treasure, the son of Mdhluli, expressed the family’s heartache, stating, “So far everyone is feeling very down. We are shattered in a sense and the family is taking it very hard. But we will soldier on.” He further revealed that he has already submitted a DNA swab for analysis to determine a match with his mother’s remains.
Amidst the impending wait for test results, Mdhluli’s aunt, Florence Manana, is calling for the justice system to act decisively against the suspects. “We want to see justice being served. It’s so painful that this happened in the way it has. We are praying to see those responsible taken to task because if people can do such a thing, they don’t belong in society,” she implored.
Manana is also urging police to build a robust case against the accused, demanding expedited action. “We want them to work faster as like in yesterday because it’s been long since February. We can’t sleep and sometimes we don’t even think about this. We want closure and just to finish about this and maybe to try to move on.”
Two of the suspects are set to return to court on Monday as the investigation continues.