The South African music fraternity is in shock over the violent killing of broadcaster and music-rights activist Owen Ndlovu. Colleagues and friends have expressed their disbelief and sadness over the death of a man known for his dedication to the arts. Ndlovu was abducted on Tuesday evening outside a church in Katlehong while waiting to pick up his wife. His body was later found next to the road, with a postmortem being conducted to establish the cause of death.
According to police, Ndlovu was forced into a vehicle by three unknown men, one of whom was reportedly armed. The car was later found abandoned in Walkerville. A family statement said he had been shot, and his bag was found a few meters away from where his body was discovered. The police are investigating the case, with the Germiston Trio unit leading the probe.
Eugene Mthethwa, chair of the advocacy group Artists United and a close friend of Ndlovu, has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the murder. He claims that residents who discovered Ndlovu's body found a sealed bag behind an electricity box a few meters from where he lay. Mthethwa noted that it was questionable why the perpetrators would let Ndlovu out of the car with the bag, suggesting that they may have been after something specific.
The bag allegedly contained documents related to Samro, the South African Music Rights Organisation. Ndlovu's company, ORM, was a service provider to Samro until the organisation terminated its contract in March last year. This was followed by legal proceedings, with Samro's CEO Annabell Lebethe obtaining an interim protection order against Ndlovu, alleging harassment and other incidents.
Recently, Ndlovu had launched harassment charges against Lebethe, with urgent court documents revealing that she had been summoned to appear at the Booysens Magistrate's Court. The disputes between Ndlovu and Samro may have contributed to the motive behind his murder, but the police are still investigating and have not yet confirmed any suspects.
The music industry has reacted with shock and sadness to Ndlovu's murder, with many calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Musician Nomsa Mazwai has called for an urgent Samro special general meeting, citing fear and uncertainty among members. Actress and arts activist Joy Mbewana, a close friend of Ndlovu, has urged the public to trust the justice system and allow the police to investigate.
Samro has released a statement condemning violence and criminality, and has expressed its trust in the police to investigate Ndlovu's murder. The organisation has acknowledged its disputes with Ndlovu but has declined to comment further out of respect for his family. The police are continuing their investigation, with Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stating that they are following up on leads and will bring those responsible to justice.
Key points
- The murder of Owen Ndlovu has sent shockwaves through the South African music fraternity, with many questioning the motive behind the crime.
- The disputes between Ndlovu and Samro may have contributed to the motive behind his murder, but the police are still investigating.
- The music industry is calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ndlovu's death and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
