Former SABC sports commentator Owen Ndlovu, who was allegedly kidnapped by armed men in Katlehong on Tuesday night, has been found dead in what appears to be a contracted hit.
Ndlovu, the music rights activist, was found by residents in Thokoza on Wednesday morning, with what appeared to be gunshot wounds, according to people who discovered his body.
It is believed Ndlovu was assassinated by his detractors.
The news of his death , which will send shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, was confirmed to Africa Daily by his friend and colleague, musician Eugene Mthethwa.
Ndlovu’s wife, Portia Ndlovu, has since gone to the mortuary, where she identified his body.
Residents who found Ndlovu’s body also reportedly found his bag a few metres away.
According to the residents, the bag contained documents relating to Ndlovu’s long-running dispute with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO).
The significance of the documents, and whether they have any connection to Ndlovu’s death, is not known.
Ndlovu was allegedly kidnapped at about 8pm on Tuesday, 15 September while he was fetching his wife from church in Katlehong.
Police confirmed on Wednesday that three suspects were being hunted following the hijacking and kidnapping.
According to police, three unknown men, one reportedly armed with a firearm, approached the couple, pushed Portia aside and forced Ndlovu into the back seat of his Ford Raptor before driving away.
The bakkie was later recovered abandoned in Walkerville.
Portia previously told Africa Daily that her husband tried to escape but was chased down by the armed men.
“He tried to run away, but they outran him. They hit him and took him away,” she said.
She also said Ndlovu’s phone was still ringing shortly after 9pm and appeared to be online on WhatsApp before it was eventually switched off.
The circumstances surrounding Ndlovu’s death remain unclear, and police have yet to publicly disclose whether anyone has been arrested.
The death comes amid Ndlovu’s highly publicised legal dispute with SAMRO chief executive officer Annabelle Lebethe.
Lebethe had previously obtained an interim protection order against Ndlovu. The application was subsequently dismissed and the interim order discharged.
Despite the outcome, Ndlovu remained involved in a dispute over his access to SAMRO’s offices. Police had attempted to intervene, while the Law and Creative Arts Organisation (LACO) had also sought to mediate the dispute.
Ndlovu subsequently returned to court with an application for anticipation, with Lebethe due to appear in court on Wednesday, 16 September.
There is currently no evidence establishing a link between Ndlovu’s death and his dispute with SAMRO or Lebethe.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or provide an anonymous tip-off through the MySAPSApp.
Africa Daily understands that investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ndlovu’s death are continuing.
