South African Sports Broadcaster Owen Ndlovu Found Dead After Abduction During Hijacking

South African sports broadcaster Owen Ndlovu has been found dead hours after he was abducted during a vehicle hijacking near Johannesburg, in a killing that has sparked grief among his family, colleagues and the wider broadcasting community.

Ndlovu, 54, was reportedly abducted on Tuesday evening while picking up his wife from a church in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg. Police have launched a murder investigation and are searching for three suspects.

Ndlovu Abducted Outside Church

According to police, three men approached Ndlovu and his wife as they were leaving the church. One of the attackers was reportedly armed with a gun.

Provincial police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the assailants pushed Ndlovu’s wife aside before forcing the broadcaster into the back of his Ford Raptor pickup truck.

The suspects then drove away with Ndlovu, leaving his wife at the scene.

The vehicle was later recovered abandoned in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg, as authorities continued efforts to locate the missing broadcaster.

Body Discovered in Thokoza

The following morning, residents discovered Ndlovu’s body beside a road in neighbouring Thokoza.

Witnesses reported that he appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds. A bag believed to belong to him was also found nearby.

Police have opened a murder investigation, while a post-mortem examination is expected to establish the official cause of death.

The circumstances surrounding the killing remain under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed further details about the motive or the identities of the suspects.

Family Awaits Answers

Ndlovu’s family described his death as devastating and thanked police, residents and other individuals who participated in the search after his abduction was reported.

Family spokesperson Eugene Mthethwa said relatives were awaiting further information from the 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’s statement comes as investigators work to establish the sequence of events between the abduction and the discovery of Ndlovu’s body.

Sports Broadcasting Career

Ndlovu was a familiar figure to South African sports audiences through his work with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

He worked as a presenter and producer and was involved in radio coverage of the Premier Soccer League, contributing to the country’s sports broadcasting landscape.

His career extended beyond sports media, with later work focused on issues affecting musicians, including rights and royalty payments.

He was associated with Artists United and the SABC Summer Song of the Year initiative.

Colleagues Pay Tribute

News of Ndlovu’s death prompted tributes from fellow journalists and colleagues who remembered him for his energy and dedication to his profession.

Journalist Lelo Mzaca described him as an energetic and passionate broadcaster in a tribute published by the Mail & Guardian.

“South Africa has lost a unique and spirited individual whose light shone brightly while it lasted,” Mzaca wrote.

The tribute reflected the sense of loss among those who worked alongside Ndlovu and followed his contributions to broadcasting and the creative industries.

Public Urged to Assist Investigation

The provincial government has appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist investigators in identifying those responsible for Ndlovu’s death.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the hijacking and subsequent killing.

The incident has also renewed attention on violent crime in South Africa, where vehicle hijackings and armed robberies remain significant public safety concerns.

According to the figures provided, police recorded more than 5,000 murders and nearly 4,000 carjackings across the country between April and June 2026.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said last month that serious crime continued to fuel fear in communities, with some offences involving organised and heavily armed criminal groups.

Ndlovu’s death has left a grieving family and a broadcasting community awaiting answers as the investigation continues.