JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Veteran South African sports broadcaster Owen Ndlovu was found dead hours after three armed men allegedly abducted him during a vehicle hijacking in Katlehong, southeast of Johannesburg.
Ndlovu, a former presenter and producer with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), was seized on Tuesday while collecting his wife from a church, police said.
His body was discovered by residents in neighbouring Thokoza on Wednesday morning.
Witnesses said the 54-year-old appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds, although police said a post-mortem examination would establish the official cause of death.
Ndlovu Abducted While Picking Up Wife
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said Ndlovu had gone to collect his wife after a religious service when the attackers approached their vehicle.
According to police, three unknown men, one of whom was reportedly armed with a firearm, confronted the couple.
“As she approached their vehicle, three unknown men, one reportedly armed with a firearm, suddenly approached them, pushed her aside and forced her husband into the back seat,” Nevhuhulwi said.
“The suspects then drove off with the victim.”
The attackers allegedly took Ndlovu in his Ford Raptor pick-up truck, commonly referred to as a bakkie in South Africa.
Vehicle Recovered Abandoned
Police said Ndlovu’s vehicle was later recovered abandoned in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg.
His body was subsequently found beside a road in Thokoza, an area neighbouring Katlehong.
Residents who discovered the body reported that he appeared to have sustained gunshot injuries.
A bag belonging to Ndlovu was also found several metres from his body.
Police have opened a murder investigation and launched a manhunt for the three suspects.
Family Awaits Post-Mortem Findings
The circumstances surrounding Ndlovu’s death remain under investigation.
Police said the post-mortem examination will determine the cause of death.
Family spokesperson Eugene Mthethwa said relatives were awaiting further information from authorities.
“At this stage, the family is awaiting further information from the relevant authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding Owen’s death,” Mthethwa said.
The family described the death as devastating and thanked residents, police and members of the public who joined the search after news of Ndlovu’s abduction emerged.
Veteran Sports Broadcaster Remembered
Ndlovu was a familiar voice to South African sports audiences during his years at the SABC.
He worked as a presenter and producer and was involved in radio coverage of the country’s Premier Soccer League.
Beyond broadcasting, Ndlovu advocated for musicians’ rights and improved royalty payments.
He was also associated with Artists United and the SABC’s Summer Song of the Year initiative.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and people who knew his work.
Journalist Pays Tribute to Ndlovu
Fellow journalist Lelo Mzaca remembered Ndlovu as a vibrant personality who brought energy and flair to sports broadcasting.
Mzaca described him as someone who lived a “colourful, energetic life” in a tribute published by Mail & Guardian.
“South Africa has lost a unique and spirited individual whose light shone brightly while it lasted,” Mzaca said.
Ndlovu’s death has left colleagues and members of South Africa’s broadcasting and entertainment industries mourning the veteran broadcaster.
Killing Renews Concern Over Violent Crime
The killing has renewed concerns about violent crime in South Africa, where armed robberies and vehicle hijackings remain significant security challenges.
The provincial government appealed to members of the public to assist investigators with information that could help identify and arrest those responsible.
The latest national police statistics, covering April to June 2026, recorded more than 5,000 murders and nearly 4,000 carjackings.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said serious crimes continued to create fear in communities when the figures were released, warning that some offences were being carried out by organised and heavily armed criminal groups.
Police are continuing to investigate Ndlovu’s killing and search for the three suspects.
