South African sports broadcaster Owen Ndlovu found dead after Katlehong hijacking

September 17, 2026 at 11:46 AM2 min

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Veteran South African sports broadcaster Owen Ndlovu was found dead on Wednesday after being abducted during a vehicle hijacking in Katlehong, near Johannesburg. Police have launched a manhunt for three suspects and are investigating the killing. The incident has renewed attention on South Africa's high levels of violent crime.

Key Facts

Owen Ndlovu, 54, was abducted on Tuesday while collecting his wife from a church in Katlehong, near Johannesburg.
His body was found by residents beside a road in Thokoza on Wednesday morning, with witnesses reporting gunshot wounds.
Police have launched a manhunt for three suspects, one reportedly armed with a firearm.
Ndlovu's Ford Raptor pick-up truck was recovered abandoned in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg.
Ndlovu was a former SABC presenter and later an advocate for musicians' rights and royalty payments.

Abduction and Discovery

Provincial police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said Ndlovu had gone to pick up his wife from a religious service when three unknown men, one reportedly armed, approached them. The attackers pushed his wife aside and forced Ndlovu into the back seat of the vehicle before driving off. His body was discovered by local residents beside a road in Thokoza, which neighbours Katlehong, on Wednesday morning. A bag belonging to Ndlovu was found a few metres away from the body.

Police Investigation

Police are investigating a case of murder and have launched a manhunt for three suspects. A post-mortem examination will establish the official cause of death, according to police. The provincial government urged communities to assist police with the investigation, stating that tackling crime remains a priority.

Career and Tributes

Ndlovu was a familiar figure to South African sports fans after years as a presenter and producer at the SABC. He was involved in radio coverage of the Premier Soccer League and later became an advocate for musicians' rights and royalty payments. Fellow journalist Lelo Mzaca remembered him as a man who lived a 'colourful, energetic life' and brought enthusiasm to sports broadcasting. Family spokesperson Eugene Mthethwa said the family is awaiting further information from authorities regarding the circumstances of Ndlovu's death.