A police task team established to investigate the killing of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) deputy chief whip Khethamabala Sithole has made a breakthrough, with two suspects arrested and charged with his murder.
Police arrested the suspects, aged 30 and 32, on Monday, 2 June, after questioning them.
Police interviewed a third person but later released him. They charged the other two with murder and two counts of attempted murder.
The two suspects are appearing in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court today, Thursday, 5 June 2025.
Arrests made in Katlehong shooting
The shooting occurred on Saturday, 31 May, at around 17:30 at the Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong, Gauteng.
Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said unknown men opened fire on a group gathered for a meeting. Sithole was declared dead at the scene, and two others sustained gunshot injuries.
Doctors treated and discharged one of the injured, while the other remains in hospital.
Police expect to make more arrests as they continue investigations.
Sithole remembered as dedicated leader
IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa described him as “a hard-working servant leader of the people and our country”.
Colleagues remembered Sithole, who served as IFP Gauteng chairperson and joined the party in his youth, as a committed public servant.
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