FORMER SABC sports presenter and music rights activist Owen Ndlovu has been found dead in Thokoza, Katlehong, after he was allegedly hijacked and kidnapped while fetching his wife from church.
The Ndlovu family confirmed his death in a statement yesterday, saying he was found by residents yesterday morning after he had reportedly been kidnapped on Tuesday evening.
According to the family, residents who discovered Ndlovu’s body said he had sustained gunshot wounds. His bag was also found a few metres from where his body was discovered. His wife, Portia, later identified his body at the mortuary.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, with the family saying it was awaiting further information from the relevant authorities.
The incident reportedly began at about 8pm on Tuesday, when Ndlovu and his wife were leaving church in Katlehong, on Gauteng’s East Rand.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuluwi, three men allegedly approached the couple as Ndlovu’s wife was making her way to their vehicle. One of the men was allegedly armed.
The suspects reportedly pushed Ndlovu’s wife aside and forced him into the back seat of his Ford Raptor before driving away.
Police subsequently launched a manhunt for the suspects. The vehicle was later recovered abandoned in the Walkerville area.
Ndlovu’s death was confirmed to the family by those who discovered his body and subsequently by a family spokesperson Eugene Mthethwa. He said the family expressed gratitude to residents who found Ndlovu and to members of the public who assisted in the search, shared information and offered support.
It also thanked the South African Police Service and others involved in efforts to locate him.
The family appealed to the public and media to respect its privacy as it comes to terms with the death. It said further information would be released when appropriate.
Ndlovu was known for his work as an SABC sports presenter and for his involvement in music rights activism.
His death comes amid growing concern over violent hijackings and other crimes in Gauteng.
Police have not yet announced any arrests in connection with his killing, and the family said it would await the authorities’ findings on the circumstances surrounding his death.
