IFP MP shot dead in Gauteng, party calls it an assassination

JOHANNESBURG - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has called the killing of its Member of Parliament (MP) Khethamabala Petros Sithole an assassination.

Sithole was killed on Saturday night in a shooting at the Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg.

The motive for his killing is still unknown at this stage, and his killer remains at large.

Sithole joined the IFP as a young person, rising through the party’s ranks as a councillor in the Ekurhuleni Municipality, all the way up to its deputy chief whip in Parliament.

The IFP said the 68-year-old was a hardworking man who gave his life to public service.

IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said, "The IFP is poorer today with Jobe’s passing, and South Africa has lost a good man who served his country par excellence.”

'MOTIVE BEHIND SHOOTING UNKNOWN'

Gauteng police are on the hunt for three gunmen allegedly involved in Sithole's killing.

Police said Sithole was part of a meeting held at the Buyafuthi Hostel when the group was approached by three men who opened fire at the group.

Two other people were also injured and taken to the hospital.

"The motive behind the shooting is still unknown, and no arrests have been made yet. The police are investigating the incident and urge everyone with information to come forward,” said police spokesperson Brenda Muridili.