IFP urges State to prevent Sithole's alleged killers from getting bail

JOHANNESBURG - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has urged the State to do everything in its power to prevent the alleged killers of its former member of Parliament (MP), Khethamabala Sithole, from being released on bail.

Three men accused of Sithole’s murder briefly appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The matter was postponed to 19 August 2025, to allow the defence time to prepare their bail applications.

It's alleged that on the evening of 31 May 2025, the trio opened fire on a group of IFP supporters at Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong, instantly killing Sithole and injuring two others.

About 100 IFP supporters braved the cold and wet morning to show support for their slain member outside the court.

Some of them are survivors from the day of the shooting.

IFP national council member Muzi Ntuli said they are concerned the accused men have changed their minds about bail, after initially abandoning it.

“Our concern is around the application of bail, we are concerned about that because we are not sure what will be the outcome after that application. Once you release these guys, while you still have someone who is still wandering in our streets, and that person is a dangerous one, we are concerned about that.”

At the same time, the IFP said some of its members in Ekurhuleni are scared to attend party meetings following the recent deadly shooting.

Ntuli said the incident has left physical and psychological scars on its members.

“We are affected about that incident because Sithole is one of our leaders and seniors working in that area where he was gunned down. So, we are concerned and members there are still traumatised, we are trying to get into processes where people will get counselling because members still can’t believe what happened that day.”

Police are still on the hunt for one more suspect in this case, Zamani Ngila Ximba.