IFP suspects shooting of members is related to external political motives

JOHANNESBURG - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) suspects the shooting of three of its members is related to external political motives.

On 31 May 2025, IFP member of Parliament, Petrus Sithole, was shot dead while two other party members were seriously injured.

The incident took place at the Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong, where the party was holding a meeting.

On Thursday, two men accused of the killing and attempted murder appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg.

Khethakuthula Sithole and Nontando Ximba abandoned their bail applications.

ALSO READ: 2 suspects in murder of IFP MP Khethamabala Sithole abandon bail bids

In doing so, they relinquish the opportunity to share personal details about themselves and whether they intend to plead not guilty or not.

The IFP's Gauteng chairperson, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, says the party is hoping the truth will eventually come out.

“Both us as a party and the family, we are satisfied with the investigation that it's not political, it's not internal within the IFP – it's outside, but we cannot say where because it is still under investigation.”

Some IFP members in Gauteng are still wary of holding large gatherings.

However, Dhlamini says they won’t be scared into hiding.

“It’s not politically motivated at all, the investigation tells you it’s not. Even at the funeral, the family confirmed with us it’s not political, but we are interested why would you choose an IFP meeting to kill an IFP leader… what is your motive?”

Dhlamini hopes that when the case returns to court on  29 July 2025, police will have made another breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Gauteng police have issued a R60,000 reward for any information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of Zamani Ngila Ximba, who is suspected to be the mastermind behind the shooting.

They added that he should be considered armed and dangerous.