The small community of KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga was filled with both sorrow and a sense of closure on Saturday, 21 June, as friends, family, and colleagues gathered to bid farewell to slain journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu. What should have been a joyful occasion — his 39th birthday — instead became the date of his funeral, marking a painful chapter for those who loved him.
Aserie’s emotional funeral was held at his family home in KwaMhlanga, the very same place where he was abducted months earlier. His tragic death came after a long and agonising three-month search, which also involved the disappearance of his partner, Zodwa Mdluli. The uncertainty of their whereabouts had taken a heavy emotional toll on their loved ones.
While the separate burials of Aserie and Zodwa brought deep sorrow, they also provided a small sense of comfort to those left behind. For many, seeing their loved ones finally laid to rest allowed a measure of healing to begin.
Speaking at the service, Elijah Mhlanga, chairperson of the Communication Media Forum, highlighted the trauma experienced by Aserie’s family, particularly his mother.
“It was heartbreaking watching a mother cry every single day. Now that she’s attending counselling and her son has been buried, we believe the healing process can finally start,” Mhlanga said.
Tributes poured in from all who knew the late journalist. Neighbour Alfred Thwala shared how Aserie had personally helped him resolve a long-standing issue with his identity document, which had been blocked for eight years.
“I’ll never forget his intelligence and willingness to help. Because of his advice, my ID was finally unblocked. That’s the kind of man Aserie was — always ready with a solution,” Thwala said.
Friend Sibusiso Zuma, who last saw Aserie in January, expressed his devastation at the news of his disappearance.
“We had even planned a vacation together. When I heard that he was missing, I wished I could grow wings like a dove and fly across South Africa to find him,” Zuma said emotionally.
Among the mourners was Aserie’s younger brother, Elvis Ndlovu, who recalled how Aserie gave up his own chair for him at secondary school when Elvis was a new pupil.
“My brother was not only my sibling but also my father figure. We fought sometimes, but the love between us never faded,” Elvis said.
Government officials were also present at the service. Minister Kenny Morolong, responsible for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their continuous efforts in bringing those responsible to justice.
“We are confident that the suspects will face the full might of the law for their barbaric and inhumane actions,” Morolong said.
The murder case has been postponed to 4 July, with five suspects — Samuel Mogowe, Lucky Sikhosana, David Madisha, Sello Skhalo Uoane, and Thabang Isaac Hlophe — currently in custody. They face charges of kidnapping and murder.
As the investigation continues, Aserie’s family and friends hold onto the hope that justice will be served, even as they begin to navigate life without their beloved son, brother, and friend.