Port Elizabeth police recovered the VW Polo Vivo that was hijacked from two NMMU students over the weekend in North End.
Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the vehicle was found abandoned in Kwazakhele on Monday night.
Police are now conducting forensic investigations on the vehicle as they try and make a breakthrough in the case - no arrests have yet been made.
The students were hijacked by a gang of at least six suspects outside the Varsity Park student residence in North End on Saturday night.
They were bundled into the boot of the Polo Vivo and driven to Brighton beach where the 28-year-old male student and vehicle owner was shot dead.
His 21-year-old female friend was raped then later released.
The body of the single father from Mthatha was found floating in the ocean off Brighton beach on Sunday.
Meanwhile, NMMU has issued a statement extending it's condolences to the victim's family.
The university says it will continue to work with police to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
