Thabiso Goba19 August 2025 | 5:56

3 men accused of killing Khetha Sithole back in court for bail applications

The matter was postponed last week to give the defence lawyers time to prepare the bail applications.

3 men accused of killing Khetha Sithole back in court for bail applications

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) members outside of the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court in Ekurhuleni, where three men accused of killing IFP MP Khethamabala Sithole appeared on 7 August 2025. Picture: Thabiso Goba/EWN

JOHANNESBURG - The Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court is set to hear the bail applications of three men accused of killing former Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) member of Parliament, Khetha Sithole.

On the evening of 31 May, Sithole was shot dead during a ward meeting at the Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg.

Two other IFP members were also seriously injured during the shooting.

Khethokuhle Sithole, Ntando Ximba and Bhekokuhle Sithole are alleged to be behind the assassination of Khethamabala Sithole.

Despite the same surname, the two accused shooters do not share any relation with the deceased parliamentarian.

The matter was postponed last week to give the defence lawyers time to prepare the bail applications.

Sipho Sithole, Khethamabala’s older brother, previously told EWN, the family was 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 its us, who are bit older, that are following this case."

Police are still on the hunt for one other suspect they believe is linked to this case.