The decomposed organ of the South African journalist was found, colleagues say

The bodies of a journalist and his partner were found in South Africa at an advanced decomposition, more than two months after they disappeared, local media groups said.

Police said they had found human remains, but DNA tests still need to be conducted to confirm that they were the ones of Radio journalist Sibusiso Aser Ndlouv and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli.

In a joint statement, two media groups said police had a breakthrough after the arrest of five suspects.

The couple were killed and their bodies were thrown into a bush in Northern Limpopo, the media groups said, adding that death had left them in shock and unbelief.

The suspects have been reported to have been arrested with stolen furniture, appliances and parts of a car belonging to the couple, which has disappeared from February 18th.

Ndlovu was the founder of a local radio station, Capital Live, in the capital of South Africa Pretoria.

The African Media Forum and Communicators (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) have said that a forensic team has already identified the remains like those of the couple.

“I am terribly sad. We have hoped that despite the number of days the couple disappeared, they will still be found alive. Our deepest condolences come out to our brother and sister’s families,” said AMCF chairman Ilia Mlang.

South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world, with many people living in fear.

Official data show that 26 232 murders takes place in 2024, an average of 72 per day.