By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former SABC Sports commentator, Voice Over Artist and Music activist Owen Ndlovu has been found dead, his family confirmed.
Ndlovu was hijacked and abducted by unknown suspects in Katlehong, East of Johannesburg.
Fullview learnt that he was on his way to fetch his wife.
Ndlovu was due to return to court, Wednesday, 16 September, in his long-running legal battle with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) and its chief Annabelle Lebethe.
Lebethe previously obtained an interim protection order against Ndlovu. The application was subsequently dismissed and the interim protection order discharged.
Despite the court outcome, Ndlovu remained embroiled in a dispute over his access to SAMRO’s offices.
His body was later discovered, prompting a SA Police Services (SAPS) investigation into the circumstances leading to his death.
Ndlovu’s body was found by residents of Thokoza on Wednesday morning, according to family spokesperson Eugene Mthethwa.
“Owen had sustained gunshot wounds. His bag was also found a few metres from where his body was discovered,” Mthethwa said.
“The family has since gone to the mortuary, where Owen’s wife, Portia Ndlovu, identified his body,” Mthethwa said.
“At this stage, the family is awaiting further information from the relevant authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding Owen’s death,” Mthethwa said.
SA Police Services (SAPS) spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said, three unknown men, one reportedly armed with a firearm, approached Ndlovu and his wife.
“As she approached their vehicle, three unknown men, one armed with a firearm, suddenly approached them, pushed her aside and forced her husband into the back seat of his Ford Raptor bakkie. The suspects then drove off with the victim,” said Nevhuhulwi.
“Owen Ndlovu was subsequently found dead in Thokoza on Wednesday. Postmortem will be conducted to establish the cause of death,” she said.
The Ford Raptor was later recovered abandoned in Walkerville.
Nevhuhulwi added that Police in Katlehong have launched a manhunt for the three suspects involved in the incident.
Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have information that could help identify or locate the suspects to come forward.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tips through the MySaps app.