Tributes have been paid to veteran South African sports broadcaster Owen Ndlovu, who was found dead on Wednesday, hours after being abducted during a vehicle hijacking near Johannesburg.
Police said the 54-year-old former South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) presenter was taken on Tuesday while he was picking up his wife from a church service in Katlehong.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, three unidentified men approached the couple as they neared their vehicle. One of the attackers was reportedly carrying a gun.
The assailants allegedly pushed Ndlovu’s wife away before forcing him into the back of the vehicle and driving off.
His Ford Raptor pick-up, locally known as a bakkie, was subsequently discovered abandoned in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg.
The following morning, residents came across Ndlovu’s remains beside a roadway in Thokoza, an area neighbouring Katlehong.
Witnesses reported that he appeared to have sustained gunshot injuries.
A bag believed to belong to the broadcaster was also located nearby.
Authorities have opened a murder investigation and launched a search for three suspects.
However, police said a post-mortem examination would determine the official cause of death.
Family spokesperson Eugene Mthethwa said relatives were awaiting additional information from investigators regarding the circumstances surrounding Ndlovu’s death.
The family described his passing as devastating and expressed gratitude to residents, law enforcement officers and members of the public who assisted in the search following his disappearance.
Ndlovu was well known among South African football audiences after spending years as a presenter and producer at the SABC.
He also contributed to radio broadcasts of the Premier Soccer League before becoming involved in efforts to protect musicians’ rights and secure royalty payments.
He was associated with Artists United and the SABC Summer Song of the Year project.
Fellow journalist Lelo Mzaca described Ndlovu as an energetic and colourful personality who brought excitement and character to sports broadcasting.
South Africa’s provincial government appealed to members of the public to provide information that could assist investigators, stressing that reducing criminal activity remained a priority.
The incident has renewed concerns about violent crime in the country, particularly armed robberies and vehicle hijackings.
Police statistics for April to June 2026 showed more than 5,000 homicides and nearly 4,000 vehicle hijackings nationwide.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, while presenting the figures last month, warned that serious offences continued to cause fear in communities, with some allegedly committed by organised and heavily armed groups operating with considerable planning.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong