WATCH: Missing journalist's pain lands mum in clinic!

GAUTENG Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the family of the missing journalist, Aserie Ndlovu, on Wednesday, 23 April.

The aime was to offer support to the family and provide an update on the ongoing investigation.

However, the visit took a toll on Aserie's mum Linah Shabangu, who was rushed to Hebron Clinic immediately after the premier's departure.

Linah, overwhelmed by emotion, expressed her deep pain of not knowing her son's whereabouts.

Aserie went missing in February, together with his lover, Zodwa Mdluli.

Shortly after their disappearance, their home in Mpumalanga was burgled.

During the visit, Lesufi assured the family authorities remain committed to investigating the case.

"So far, police have not closed the matter.

They have been following leads from CCTV footage, gone to Home Affairs to check whether the couple is within the country's borders, and their banks to see if they've been used since the disappearance, and cellphone records," said Lesufi.

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He emphasised that people don't just disappear without a trace and assured the family authorities would stop at nothing in finding Aserie and Zodwa.

"This is a difficult matter since it's a cross-border case involving two provinces. However, I've had an encouraging briefing with the work they've done in the past three weeks, and am glad there's still movement," said Lesufi.

Aserie's elder brother Elvis Ndlovu expressed the family's struggle to cope and concerns.

"It's painful. I can't even sleep because he is being tormented wherever he is. I worry whether he's eating, and now that it's winter, I wonder if he's warm enough," he said.

Aserie's niece Lindokuhle Ndlovu expressed the family's hope and determination.

"We will never give up on you guys. All day, every day, we pray for your safe return. We plead with anyone who knows any information to come forward, even if it's anonymous. It could be through a letter, private call or just a call to the police."