McKenzie mourns SABC sports presenter Owen Ndlovu, found dead after reported hijacking
The sport, arts and culture minister backed the police investigation and asked the public and media to respect the family's privacy.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has expressed deep sadness at the death of Owen Ndlovu, the former SABC sports presenter and music industry figure, and has backed the police investigation into it.
Ndlovu, 54, was found dead in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, after he was reportedly hijacked and kidnapped in Katlehong the previous evening, according to SAnews (South African Government News Agency).
He was a familiar voice and face to South African sports audiences during his years with the SABC, and he remained active in the country’s creative industries through Michael Owen Production and through advocacy for local musicians and their rights, including work with Artists United.
“Owen Ndlovu gave many years of his life to South African sport and South African music, informing and entertaining our people and standing up for the rights of our artists,” McKenzie said in a statement on Saturday. “His death, under circumstances no family should ever have to endure, is a profound loss to our broadcasting and creative sectors.”
McKenzie conveyed condolences to Ndlovu’s wife, family, friends and colleagues. In line with the family’s request through their spokesperson, he appealed to the public and the media to be sensitive and to respect the family’s privacy.
The minister expressed his full support for the South African Police Service investigation and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
No arrests, suspects or further details of the police investigation are set out in the government’s statement, which is a summary of the minister’s remarks rather than a record of the case itself.
Source: SAnews (South African Government News Agency), McKenzie conveys condolences following death of SABC sports presenter Owen Ndlovu.
