The accused appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court on Monday, as the families of the couple await DNA results on tests done on the human remains found in Limpopo earlier this month.

Samuel Mogongwe, Lucky Sikhosana, Sello Uoane and Thato Madisha kept their heads down, avoiding the media. Legal aid has been approved for accused three, Uoane, and accused four, Madisha. The court heard that Uoane has two previous convictions for robbery with aggravating circumstances and attempted murder. 

He told the court that he was sentenced to eight years in prison for each crime in 2017. However, he is out on parole, which will end in May 2026. Both accused 3 and 4 have abandoned their application for bail. Magistrate Andre du Preez outlined the state’s case.

" It is alleged that on the 18th of February 2025 at or near KwaMhlanga in the Thembisile Hani sub district, it is alleged that all four of you unlawfully and intentionally killed Aserie Ndlovu by shooting him with firearms," du Preez said.

Mdhuli's aunt, Linah Nkosi says the ongoing delay in the DNA results is adding to their distress.

“We are still worried as a family about the DNA test because a lot is happening in our hearts and minds. We are not ease at all. We are worried and I was a little bit disturbed when I saw her killers so we are not okay as a family," Nkosi sid.

The disappearance of the couple attracted a lot a media attention, with the country’s Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong saying the police had been engaged to speed up DNA results process.

“We have absolute confidence in the ability of the courts to administer justice without fear of favor so we will continue to hold hands with the family and will continue to track development with the case. We are going to engage the Minister of police regarding the DNA results, we are quite perturbed that the process is delaying, it does not help the family to bring finality to this matter so we hope the discussions will yield positive results," Morolong said.

--SABC--