By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services in Gauteng have apprehended two suspects in connection with the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP Khethamabala Sithole.
Sithole was gunned down in Katlehong east of Johannesburg last week.
Two suspects have appeared in court and the matter was postponed to next week for a bail application.
SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant‑Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that two men, aged 30 and 32, were arrested on Monday, 2 June.
They face charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder, linked to the ambush that also injured two other IFP members.
The IFP welcomed the arrests and appealed for a thorough investigation. “We are encouraged by the announcement from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Gauteng regarding the breakthrough in this case,” said party spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa, while urging police to “leave no stone unturned”.
Other political formations, including the ANC, EFF, GOOD Party, and Freedom Front Plus, condemned the killing. The ANC described Sithole as “a principled leader, a unifier, and a true patriot, “reaffirming calls for swift justice. The EFF warned of the dangers political violence poses to democracy, while the GOOD Party reminded the public that “violence has no place in our democracy.”
Sithole’s memorial service took place at the Germiston Civic Centre in Ekurhuleni.
Gauteng IFP Chairperson Bonginkosi Dlamini described Sithole as a dedicated and selfless cadre.
Dlamini added that Sithole was a humble, loyal and dedicated cadre of the IFP.
He emphasised that Sithole joined the IFP in the early 80s and he came to Gauteng and became a member and a leader.