Prominent South African sports broadcaster Owen Ndlovu has been found dead following his abduction during a carjacking near Johannesburg.
Police reported that the 54-year-old was kidnapped on Tuesday evening while picking up his wife from a church in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg.
According to provincial police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, three men—one reportedly armed with a handgun—approached the couple as they left the building. The attackers pushed Ndlovu’s wife away, forced him into the back of his Ford Raptor pickup truck, and sped off.
Authorities later located the abandoned truck in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg.
The next morning, local residents found Ndlovu’s body along a road in neighboring Thokoza, alongside a bag believed to belong to him. Witnesses stated he appeared to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Police have launched a murder investigation and are currently hunting for the three suspects. An official post-mortem examination will be conducted to confirm the exact cause of death.
“At this stage, the family is awaiting further information from the relevant authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding Owen’s death,” said family spokesperson Eugene Mthethwa.
Ndlovu’s family expressed deep grief over his death while thanking law enforcement and community members who assisted in the search after he was reported missing.
Ndlovu was a familiar voice to sports fans through his work with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), where he served as a presenter, producer, and radio commentator for Premier Soccer League coverage.
In addition to his broadcast career, he advocated for musicians’ rights and royalty compensation, working closely with Artists United and the SABC Summer Song of the Year campaign.
Paying tribute in the Mail & Guardian, fellow journalist Lelo Mzaca remembered Ndlovu for his passion and energy.
“South Africa has lost a unique and spirited individual whose light shone brightly while it lasted,” Mzaca wrote.
Provincial authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to step forward and assist the ongoing investigation.
Ndlovu’s death underscores the persistent crisis of violent crime in South Africa. Official police statistics from April to June 2026 documented over 5,000 homicides and nearly 4,000 carjackings nationwide.
Addressing the security situation last month, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia highlighted that violent crime continues to spread fear through communities, driven in part by organized and heavily armed networks.
