Former SABC sports presenter Owen Ndlovu reportedly kidnapped at gunpoint

Posted on September 16, 2026
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PICTURE: X/ @AM_BLUJAY

Former SABC sports presenter and music rights activist Owen Ndlovu has reportedly been kidnapped at gunpoint in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, with police launching a manhunt for the suspects.

Also see: 5 Face court after e-hailing driver allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted

According to Central News, the incident reportedly happened at around 20:00 on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, while Owen was collecting his wife, Portia, from a church service. According to reports, three men approached the vehicle, with one allegedly armed with a gun, before taking Owen and driving away in his Ford Raptor.

Owen’s wife reportedly witnessed the incident. She told Africa Daily that her husband was taken by armed men and that she was frightened for his safety.

Ford Raptor later found stripped

The vehicle was later recovered in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg, but had reportedly been stripped.

Police are investigating the incident as a hijacking and kidnapping and are searching for the three suspects. Owen’s whereabouts remain unknown.

According to reports, his cellphone briefly rang after the alleged abduction, but this did not lead to his recovery. Authorities have not publicly disclosed whether any ransom demand has been made, and no motive for the alleged kidnapping has been confirmed.

Also see: John Vuli Gate hitmakers back in SA after being kidnapped

Owen Ndlovu’s work in sports and music

Owen is a familiar figure in South African broadcasting. He previously worked as an SABC sports presenter and commentator, covering football and other sporting events. He later became involved in the music industry and founded United Artists, while also becoming an advocate for artists’ rights and royalty payments.

His name has featured prominently in disputes involving the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) and outstanding royalties.

Owen is a SAMRO member, and recent reporting has highlighted his involvement in efforts to address concerns around royalty payments to artists. Briefly News reported that he had been engaging with musicians about outstanding royalties.

Kidnapping comes ahead of court appearance

The alleged kidnapping also comes as Owen was expected to appear in court in connection with a dispute involving SAMRO.

The timing has drawn attention because of Owen’s ongoing legal battles involving the organisation. A protection order application brought against him by SAMRO CEO Annabelle Lebethe was dismissed by a Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court in July 2026, according to Briefly News.

However, there is currently no confirmed link between the court dispute and Owen’s alleged kidnapping.

Police have not announced a motive, identified the suspects or confirmed whether the incident was connected to Owen’s professional or legal disputes.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue searching for Owen and the three suspects.

This is a developing story, and details may change as police provide further information.

Also see: Musicians kidnapped and held at gunpoint for their music

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