Veteran broadcaster Owen Ndlovu was found dead hours after three armed men abducted him during a hijacking in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg.

Gauteng, South Africa (Running Africa) — South African sports broadcaster and former SABC presenter Owen Ndlovu has been found dead after being abducted during a vehicle hijacking in Katlehong, police said.

Ndlovu, 54, was abducted on Tuesday night after traveling to pick up his wife from a church.

Police said three men approached their vehicle, with one of the suspects reportedly armed. Ndlovu’s wife was pushed aside before he was forced into the back of his Ford Raptor and driven away. The vehicle was later recovered abandoned in Walkerville.

Owen Ndlovu Found Dead in Thokoza

Residents discovered Ndlovu’s body in nearby Thokoza on Wednesday morning.

Witnesses reported apparent gunshot wounds, while a bag believed to belong to the broadcaster was found near the body.

Police have opened a murder investigation and launched a manhunt for the three suspects.

A post-mortem examination is expected to establish Ndlovu’s official cause of death.

Owen Ndlovu Built Career at SABC

Ndlovu was known for his work as a presenter and producer at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

His broadcasting career included coverage of the Premier Soccer League, making him a familiar figure to South African football audiences.

Ndlovu later became involved in advocacy for musicians, including issues surrounding artists’ rights and royalty payments.

Police Hunt Three Suspects After Katlehong Hijacking

No arrests had been announced as police continued searching for the three men suspected of involvement in Ndlovu’s abduction and killing.

The case comes amid persistent concerns about violent crime and vehicle hijackings in South Africa.

Police recorded more than 5,000 murders and nearly 4,000 carjackings between April and June 2026, according to official crime figures.

Investigators are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding Ndlovu’s death and trace the suspects involved in the Katlehong hijacking.