Reward doubled for info on missing journalist
The African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) have doubled the reward for information on missing journalist Sibusiso Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli, raising the reward from R50 000 to R100 000.
Concerns are mounting over their unexplained disappearance.
Ndlovu, a Pretoria-based journalist and founder of Capital Live FM, was last seen on 18 February 2024, leaving his home in Mpumalanga with Mdhluli in a white Volkswagen Citi Golf.
Their home was later found burgled and the car believed to be linked to their disappearance was located at a panel beater.
Despite the reward and ongoing search efforts, no ransom demands or suspicious financial activity have been reported.
Ndlovu, also a member of the National Press Club, was reportedly working on an investigation into corruption involving local government officials before he went missing.
On Sunday, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong addressed the matter, saying the case is more than just a missing persons investigation.
“We see this as an attack not just on media freedom, but we also see it as an attack on our constitutional democracy and that is why we are encouraged by all the efforts undertaken by the police to ensure that those who are responsible for this act are brought to book.”
Speaking to SABC News, Morolong said the family remains hopeful, and law enforcement has assured that significant progress has been made.
“The sense we have received from the police is that there has been a significant progress registered in regard to the investigation, there is a joint investigation between the Gauteng and the Mpumalanga police to crack this case, and we are encouraged by the fact that these investigations that are ongoing have since been yielding some bit of progress.”
While police have not released detailed information to the public, Morolong emphasized confidence in the joint task team’s efforts.
“The police will on their own accord and own time make necessary pronouncements on the matter.”
A private investigator has also been appointed to assist in the case.
Authorities continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that could help locate the couple.
Morolong also issued a broader warning against attempts to silence journalists.
“I don’t think in this country we will ever allow journalists to be silenced, attacked or intimidated and that is why we are rising as the government to say gone are those days where journalists are to be subjected to attacks. That is why we are here to reinforce our support not just to the family but to journalists – we want you to continue holding us accountable and we want you to do it fearlessly.”
The deputy minister said people pray that the missing couple would be found alive and that those responsible would be brought to book.
“We are working together with members of the Gauteng detective unit. This case is complicated, but we are getting there. Soon, we are going to have a breakthrough. We hope that both of them are still alive.”
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