Aserie Ndlovu, Zodwa Mdhluli murders: One accused abandons legal aid representative for private attorney

JOHANNESBURG - One of the accused in the murder and kidnapping of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli, has abandoned his legal aid representative for a private attorney.

Lucky Sikhosana appeared along with his four co-accused in the Kwamhlanga Magistrates Court in Mpumalanga on Friday.

Ndlovu and Mdhluli went missing in February, and their remains were found in Limpopo last month.

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During proceedings, Sikhosana's new attorney was placed on record, allowing him to reapply for bail.

He had initially abandoned his bail application.

Magistrate Andre du Preez explained, "An application by the legal aid attorney for respective number 2 has applied to withdraw and be placed on record that accused number 2 has terminated her mandate. The court then rules the application is granted, Ms Malibongwe is excused in respect of accused number 2."