Some political parties call on police to intensify efforts to find murdered IFP MP Sithole's killers

JOHANNESBURG - Some political parties are calling on police to spare no resources in finding the killers of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Member of Parliament (MP), Petros Sithole.

Sithole was killed on Saturday night during a meeting with the party at the Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg.

Police said three gunmen approached the group and opened fire on them, killing Sithole and injuring two others.

Fondly known as KP in political circles, Sithole has been described as a politician who dedicated much of his 68 years to public service.

He joined the IFP as a young man, rising through the ranks from Ekurhuleni councillor, all the way up to being the party’s deputy chief whip in Parliament.

The African National Congress (ANC) called him a unifier and a true patriot, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said the country had been robbed of a dedicated public servant.

While investigations are still underway, IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the party believes Sithole was assassinated.

"Details are still sketchy at the moment and it is the IFP’s expectation that the law enforcement agencies will spare no effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice."

The IFP’s Gauteng secretary, Alco Ngobese, was also shot during the incident and is recovering in hospital.