Veteran South African sports broadcaster Owen Ndlovu has been found dead hours after he was abducted during a vehicle hijacking in Katlehong, near Johannesburg.
Police said Ndlovu, 54, was kidnapped on Tuesday while picking up his wife from a church service. Three armed men allegedly approached the couple, pushed his wife aside and forced him into the back of his Ford Raptor before driving away.
The vehicle was later found abandoned in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg.
Ndlovu’s body was discovered by residents along a road in neighbouring Thokoza on Wednesday morning. Witnesses said he appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds, while a bag belonging to him was found nearby.
Police have opened a murder investigation and launched a manhunt for three suspects. Authorities said a post-mortem examination will determine the exact cause of death.
The family described his death as “devastating” and thanked police, residents and members of the public who joined the search for him.
Ndlovu was a well-known figure in South African sports broadcasting, having worked as a presenter and producer with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). He also covered Premier Soccer League matches on radio and later became involved in advocating for musicians’ rights and royalty payments.
Fellow journalist Lelo Mzaca paid tribute to Ndlovu, describing him as a “colourful, energetic” person who brought enthusiasm and flair to sports broadcasting.
His death has renewed concerns over violent crime in South Africa, where vehicle hijackings and armed robberies remain major security challenges.
Police figures for April to June 2026 recorded more than 5,000 murders and nearly 4,000 carjackings across the country.
