By Zinhle Cele (Updated 21 January 2025)

A KwaMashu mother’s dream of a better future for her son has turned into a painful nightmare, as she continues to search for him 18 months after he mysteriously disappeared following an international flight from South Korea.

Malusi Denzel Ndlovu, born in Kwamashu on 20 February 1990, was last heard from on 25 December 2023 — just two days after he returned to South Africa under strange and troubling circumstances. His mother, who resides in K Section, KwaMashu, shared the harrowing timeline of events that led to his disappearance.

After struggling with drug addiction and homelessness in early 2023, Malusi’s mother took bold steps to save her son’s life. She got him off the streets of Kwamashu, placed him into a rehabilitation centre in Newlands East, Durban, and through connections, secured a job opportunity for him in South Korea.

“He had changed. He was clean, focused, and had hope again,” she says.

Everything was planned down to the last detail. She bought him a plane ticket with Qatar Airways, booked him a hotel in South Korea, and exchanged R20,000 into U.S. dollars to give him pocket money. On 22 December 2023, they travelled together to OR Tambo International Airport to see him off.

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After a brief layover in Doha, Malusi arrived in South Korea on 23 December — but that’s when things took a turn. His mother noticed he was online but not responding to messages. When she called, he finally answered and said, cryptically, that authorities were refusing him entry. When she asked why, he didn’t explain.

Later that same day, she received an email notification stating that Malusi was boarding a return flight to South Africa.

When he landed at OR Tambo, the family’s calls went unanswered. WhatsApp messages were read but never replied to. On 25 December, Malusi finally answered a call — but what his mother heard still haunts her.

“There were people in the background saying, ‘If they keep calling you, switch off the phone,’ and then the line went dead. That was the last time I heard his voice,” she recalls.

Since that day, Malusi has vanished. His mother has received no calls, messages, or sightings. She doesn’t know if he relapsed, if he’s homeless, or if something worse has happened. She has not opened a missing person case, holding on to the hope that he might come home — but now, she fears the worst.

Malusi is described as having a dark complexion with a small, unprofessional tattoo on his hand. He was last seen at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on 23 December 2023.

The family is pleading with anyone who may have seen him or has any information to come forward.

“I just want to know if my child is alive. If he’s out there and needs help, I want him to know I never gave up on him.”

🙏 Lessons We Can Learn from Malusi’s Disappearance

Families Need More Awareness and Support:
Many families don’t know the steps to take when someone goes missing. We need more public education on the importance of quick action and available resources.

Never Delay Reporting a Missing Person:
Time is critical. Even if you’re hopeful they’ll return, filing a case immediately helps police track movements at airports, hospitals, border posts, shelters, or morgues.

Stay Alert After Deportation or Border Issues:
When someone is deported or refused entry into a country, always follow up closely when they land. Things can go wrong the moment they set foot back home.

Substance Recovery Is a Lifelong Journey:
Even after rehab, people are vulnerable. The risk of falling back into the streets, addiction, or being taken advantage of is high — especially without a strong local support system.

Silence Is a Red Flag:
If someone suddenly stops responding and there’s suspicious background noise, trust your instincts and act quickly. Delayed action could cost precious time.

Let’s not wait until it’s too late to act.

• ✅ If someone you love goes missing — report them immediately to SAPS and missing persons organizations.
• ✅ Share missing person alerts widely — your post could save a life.
• ✅ If you work in healthcare, law enforcement, or public transport — stay alert for vulnerable people.
• ✅ Support families by checking in, offering help, and encouraging them to speak up and seek support.

💬 If you know anything about Malusi Denzel Ndlovu’s whereabouts — even the smallest clue — come forward.

📩 Contact Missing Person South Africa or your local police station.

🕊️ Let’s stand together. Every missing person is someone’s child.

📩 Email: zinhle.cele@missingpersonsa.co.za
📲 WhatsApp Report Line: Click to Message
📝 Or report here: Report a Missing Person