Family of slain IFP MP Sithole notes living in fear as suspect remains at large
Sithole was killed on 31 May 2025 when gunmen opened fire at him during an IFP ward meeting at the Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong.
IFP supporters outside the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court in Ekurhuleni on Thursday, 7 August 2025, where the suspected killers of the party's former parliamentary chief whip, Khethamabala Sithole, were appearing. Picture: Thabiso Goba/ EWN.
JOHANNESBURG - The family of slain Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) member of Parliament, Khethamabala Sithole, said its living in fear as one of the main suspects behind his murder is still at large.
Sithole was killed on 31 May 2025 when gunmen opened fire at him during an IFP ward meeting at the Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong.
On Thursday, three men accused of killing Sithole appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court in Ekurhuleni.
The three men accused of killing Sithole told the court they want to apply for bail.
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They have also enlisted a new legal representative.
At the same time, police are still on the hunt for one more suspect in this case – Zamani Ximba – believed to be the mastermind behind the shooting.
Sipho Sithole, Khethamabala’s older brother, said the family is concerned about the possibility of the alleged killers being released on bail.
“There is a lot of fear over the fact that not all the suspects have been caught by police. His children and wives should be here, but they are scared to come – that’s why it's us, who are a bit older, that are following this case.”
The matter returns to court on 19 August 2025, where the three accused men are expected to make their formal bail applications.