Kidnapped journalist, partner: Family believes motive could involve their taxi business
Their loved ones claimed the alleged mastermind wanted to gain ownership of the vehicle.
The alleged mastermind worked as a taxi driver for the couple.
The families of the kidnapped journalist, Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu, and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, believe their disappearance could be linked to their family taxi business.
The couple's son, Treasure Mdhluli, told News24 that Samuel Mogongwe, 41, allegedly wanted to steal the family's sedan vehicle and operate it as a taxi in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, where the couple lives.
Mogongwe was employed as the family's taxi driver.
According to police commissioner Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, Mogongwe is the alleged mastermind behind the couple's disappearance and was the last person seen with them.
After his parents disappeared on 18 February, Treasure contacted Mogongwe because he was allegedly the last person seen with them.
Treasure said:
We met on 27 February. He was driving our family taxi. He pretended that he was assisting me and the police with their investigations to find my parents.
'He showed me the certified copy of my mother's identity document and papers of the taxi.'
Treasure added that Mogongwe allegedly told him that the taxi belonged to him because his parents owed him money.
'I took those documents from him because he was lying.' Treasure claimed his parents were kidnapped and robbed because Mogongwe wanted to gain ownership of their vehicle, something that police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said they were also probing.
Mogongwe, Lucky Michael Sikhosana, 40, and three others, including a teenager, were arrested on Sunday for allegedly kidnapping the couple.
Sikhosana was found in possession of some of the stolen assets belonging to the couple.
The five accused were found in possession of stolen furniture, appliances and parts belonging to the couple's VW Golf.
Police later seized two VW Golf vehicles, which were fitted with some of the parts from the couple's stripped car.
Masemola added that they were confident they had arrested the right people linked to the offence.
READ | Four arrested in connection with missing journalist Aserie Ndlovu, partner
'Some of them [accused] are prepared to assist us with our investigations. We are following leads leading us to where the victims are. The five suspects have since separately appeared in court.'
Masemola also revealed that Mogongwe initially pretended to be a State witness when the police started probing the case.
Mogongwe was arrested after he was allegedly linked to the kidnapping through cellphone records.
Police are also probing charges of house robbery, possession of suspected stolen property and possession of drugs.
The chairman of the African Media and Communicators Forum, Elijah Mhlanga, was confident that the police's investigations were moving in the right direction.
Mhlanga said they were monitoring the case.
'We are with the family throughout their pain. The police have told us to prepare for anything,' Mhlanga said.
Mogongwe and Sikhosana appeared briefly in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, facing two counts of kidnapping.
Mogongwe and Sikhosana are expected back in the dock on Friday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
3 hours ago
- News24
Hawks raid Prasa HQ; US congressman slams anti-SA Bill: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24 News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. Hawks raid Prasa HQ, seize executives' laptops, phones in R18bn tender probe - The Hawks seized laptops and mobile phones from Prasa's top executives as part of an ongoing investigation. - The investigation is related to allegations of corruption in connection with two R18 billion train signalling equipment tenders. - The operation follows reports that Prasa awarded contracts to companies that allegedly did not meet mandatory requirements. Shock twist in Nada-Jane murder, accused now admits to crime - Amber Lee Hughes admitted to murdering 4-year-old Nada-Jane Challita, who was found raped and drowned in January 2023. - Hughes initially pleaded not guilty but changed her legal team and made the admission in court on Thursday. - She maintains that she did not rape the child. Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament Crisis averted: National Assembly passes Appropriation Bill - The National Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill, averting a potential fiscal crisis where government funds would have run out by October 2025. - The DA initially threatened to block the bill but changed course after President Cyril Ramaphosa fired the minister of higher education, securing the bill's passage. - Despite objections from some parties, the bill is expected to be approved by the National Council of Provinces, allowing the government to fund critical priorities. Jacoline Schoonees/DIRCO US lawmaker slams SA sanctions bill as threat to decades of diplomacy - US congressman Jonathan Jackson criticised the "MAGA-driven" US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which proposes sanctions on South African government officials and ANC members. - The bill, authored by Ronny Jackson, aims to punish South Africa for its foreign policies, including its stance on Israel and ties with countries like Russia and China. - Tensions between the US and South Africa are high due to tariffs, refugee status granted to Afrikaners and differing views on international conflicts. Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament Godongwana announces big reforms after budget nightmare - The National Treasury is implementing reforms to the budget process due to fiscal and political challenges, including wider consultation and a focus on spending efficiencies. - A new mechanism called Targeted and Responsible Savings will rank programmes by importance to identify potential savings through spending reviews and phased "de-implementation." - Departments must utilise previous spending reviews to find savings and efficiency gains, with departmental savings being used to reduce debt or fund temporary expenditures. Supplied/MultiChoice DStv shake-up: New MultiChoice CEO promises major changes to win back subscribers - MultiChoice South Africa CEO Byron du Plessis plans to overhaul DStv packages to better meet customer needs and win back subscribers lost to streaming services and piracy. - Key strategies include focusing on local content, sports offerings, making kids' content more accessible and simplifying subscription structures by potentially removing reconnection and access fees. - The company acknowledges past missteps and aims to reinvent itself by addressing the disconnect with younger audiences and combating piracy, while also exploring the possibility of unbundling SuperSport. Lloyd Burnard | First signs of Rassie drawing a line on 'golden' Boks? - This generation of Springboks, considered the greatest in South African rugby history, is aiming for an unprecedented "three-peat" at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. - Despite their dominance, the recent squad selection for the Rugby Championship indicates a shift, with some older stars like Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am facing increased competition and the potential passing of the baton to younger players. - While the transition may be bittersweet, it's a natural part of the sport, creating opportunities for new legends to emerge and continue the Springboks' legacy.
News24
5 hours ago
- News24
Nada-Jane's grieving dad ‘waiting to know how long she tortured her' as ex admits to murder
Elie Challita and Amy Johnson at the Gauteng High Court in Johannebsurg with a photograph of their beloved daughter, Nada-Jane. Bernadette Wicks/News24 Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
CBS News
6 hours ago
- CBS News
Colorado families, community advocates rally for legislative change amid plans to dismiss kidnapping case
Frustrated community leaders, lawmakers and families voiced their concerns with state legislation and mental health resources in the wake of the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office's plans to dismiss charges against the man accused of attempting to kidnap a child on a school playground. "It still haunts me," said Charles Morales. Morales was among a crowd of people who showed out to Wednesday's press conference outside the Arapahoe County Justice Center. "I have a granddaughter who is still at Cherry Creek Schools, and I just don't want this to happen again," he said. His reasoning is also personal, because he says he saw 34-year-old Solomon Galligan just before the suspect allegedly walked onto the playground at Black Forest Hills Elementary last year. "I parked the car, watched him for a few minutes. He wasn't doing anything except walking up the sidewalk," said Morales. "To this day, I kick myself, because I turned around and I let him go." Like other people in the community, Morales wants to know why Galligan's charges will be dropped, despite a history of repeated violent offenses. "It was very frustrating at first, right?" said Dante White. "The initial kind of [feeling] was anger…and [I] thought that they dropped the ball here." White's son was one of the children who saw Galligan approach them on the playground that day. Now, White is having to explain to him that the same man will not remain behind bars. "He was confused, he said, 'Why is this person being let go? What exactly is occurring here to make this happen?'" said White. White met with the district attorney's office hours before the news conference. During his meeting, White says they explained to him that their hands are tied amid new legislation that requires a case to be dismissed if a person is found incompetent to stand trial. "The legislation has now codified this dangerous practice that allows violent offenders to have their charges dismissed and removed from the criminal justice system," said Lori Gimelshteyn, founder of the Colorado Parent Advocacy Network. White says this is a systemic issue that needs to be changed by working with lawmakers to re-examine the existing law or push for more mental health funding to prevent people like Galligan from slipping through the cracks. "How do we work together to make sure an incident like this doesn't happen in the future?" he said.
