Owen Ndlovu, a former SABC sports presenter and music-rights activist, was kidnapped by armed men in Katlehong on Tuesday evening. Police said it happened around 8 pm as he waited to pick up his wife, Portia, after a church service. Three unknown men, one reportedly armed, forced Portia aside, bundled Ndlovu into his Ford Raptor and sped off.
Vehicle recovered, manhunt launched
By Wednesday morning, officers had opened a case at the Katlehong police station and launched a manhunt for the three suspects. His Ford Raptor was found abandoned in Walkerville, south of Johannesburg; officers said it had been partly stripped of parts. That same morning, residents discovered Ndlovu alive in Thokoza, a nearby township, the family said.
Investigation continues
Ndlovu had been due in court on Wednesday over a long-running dispute with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO). However, police said there is no evidence linking the kidnapping to that music-rights case. Gauteng police have urged anyone with information to contact the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or send an anonymous tip via the MySAPS app.