By Doreen Mokgolo
- The suspects, aged 30 and 32, were arrested after Sithole was shot dead at an IFP event in Ekurhuleni last Saturday.
- Their lawyers asked for their identities to be made public, saying it was for their own safety, and the court agreed.
Two men have been arrested for the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party member of Parliament, Khethamabala Sithole.
They appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The pair, aged 30 and 32, are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The case has been postponed to 12 June. They will remain in police custody until then.
Sithole was gunned down on Saturday while attending an IFP political event at the Buyafuthi Hostel in Ekurhuleni. Two other party members were injured in the attack. One of them is the Gauteng provincial secretary, Alco Ngobese.
The court heard that both suspects are first-time offenders with no pending cases. Their lawyers asked for their names and photos to be released to the public, saying this would help protect them. The court agreed.
Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo, said three suspects were taken in for questioning on Monday. One was later released.
Police said more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
IFP Gauteng chairperson Bongikosi Dhlamini said the party is relieved that arrests have been made.
“We are also relieved to learn that the incident is not politically connected,” he said.
“But we are worried because this looks like a planned hit. The suspects went back and fired more shots at Sithole while leaving the others.”
He urged anyone with information to come forward.
Pictured above: Khethamabala Sithole.
Image source: Supplied
