Abducted South African journalist found dead with gunshot wounds

Tributes are pouring in for a veteran South African sports broadcaster who was discovered dead on Wednesday hours after being abducted when his vehicle was hijacked in a township near Johannesburg.

Key points

• The latest national police figures, covering April to June 2026, recorded more than 5, 000 murders and close to 4, 000 carjackings.
• The 54-year-old was additionally associated with Artists United and the SABC Summer Song of the Year initiative.
• Provincial police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi remarked Ndlovu had gone to pick up his wife from a religious service when the attackers struck.
• "South Africa has lost a unique and spirited individual whose light shone brightly while it lasted, " Mzaca continued in a tribute on the Mail & Guardian news site.
• Owen Ndlovu, a former presenter with the country's public broadcaster, the SABC, was seized on Tuesday while collecting his wife from a church in Katlehong, police remarked.

His body, which witnesses remarked had gunshot wounds, was discovered by residents the after morning.

Police have introduced a manhunt for three suspects and are investigating the circumstances surrounding his killing. It has once again drawn attention to South Africa's high levels of violent crime.

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"As she approached their vehicle, three unknown men, one reportedly armed with a firearm, suddenly approached them, pushed her aside and forced her husband into the back seat, " she remarked. "The suspects then drove off with the victim."

Notably, the vehicle, a Ford Raptor pick-up truck – commonly known as a bakkie in South Africa – was afterwards recovered abandoned in Walkerville, an area south of Johannesburg, police stated.

Ndlovu's body was discovered by local residents beside a road in Thokoza. It neighbours Katlehong. They remarked he appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds. A bag of his was discovered a few metres away.

Police remarked they were investigating a case of murder but a post-mortem examination would establish the cause of death.

"At this stage, the family is awaiting further information from the relevant authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding Owen's death, " remarked family spokesperson Eugene Mthethwa.

In practice, the family described the loss as "devastating" and thanked residents, police and members of the public who had supported search for him after news of his abduction emerged.

Ndlovu was a familiar figure to South African sports fans after years working as a presenter and producer at the SABC.

He was additionally involved in radio coverage of the country's Premier Soccer League and afterwards became an advocate for musicians' rights and royalty payments.

Notably, the 54-year-old was additionally associated with Artists United and the SABC Summer Song of the Year initiative.

Lelo Mzaca, a fellow journalist, remembered him as a man who lived a "colourful, energetic life" and brought enthusiasm and flair to sports broadcasting.

Notably, the provincial administration called on communities to support police with the investigation, saying tackling crime remained a priority.

Notably, the killing has again drawn attention to violent crime in South Africa, where armed robberies and vehicle hijackings remain a major concern.

Meanwhile, the latest national police figures, covering April to June 2026, recorded more than 5, 000 murders and close to 4, 000 carjackings.

When releasing the figures last month, acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia remarked serious crimes continued to create fear in communities and that some were carried out by "organised, heavily armed criminal groups that operate with planning and sophistication". You may additionally be interested in. The volunteer crime fighters using whistles, whips and guns. Cape Town safety fears force parents to seek former white-only schools.

Go to BBCAfrica.com, external for more news from the African continent.

Taken together, the developments around abducted South African journalist found dead with gunshot wounds point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.