IFP suspects shooting of members is related to external political motives
On 31 May 2025, IFP member of Parliament, Petrus Sithole, was shot dead while two other party members were seriously injured.
The incident took place at the Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong, where the party was holding a meeting.
On Thursday, two men accused of the killing and attempted murder appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg.
Khethakuthula Sithole and Nontando Ximba abandoned their bail applications.
ALSO READ: 2 suspects in murder of IFP MP Khethamabala Sithole abandon bail bids
In doing so, they relinquish the opportunity to share personal details about themselves and whether they intend to plead not guilty or not.
The IFP's Gauteng chairperson, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, says the party is hoping the truth will eventually come out.
'Both us as a party and the family, we are satisfied with the investigation that it's not political, it's not internal within the IFP – it's outside, but we cannot say where because it is still under investigation.'
Some IFP members in Gauteng are still wary of holding large gatherings.
However, Dhlamini says they won't be scared into hiding.
'It's not politically motivated at all, the investigation tells you it's not. Even at the funeral, the family confirmed with us it's not political, but we are interested why would you choose an IFP meeting to kill an IFP leader… what is your motive?'
Dhlamini hopes that when the case returns to court on 29 July 2025, police will have made another breakthrough.
Meanwhile, Gauteng police have issued a R60,000 reward for any information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of Zamani Ngila Ximba, who is suspected to be the mastermind behind the shooting.
They added that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Police officer convicted of domestic violence and firearm offence in East London
Zwelitsha Police Sergeant Sipho Sydney Jack was found guilty and convicted for domestic violence. Image: Armand Hough Zwelitsha Police Sergeant Sipho Sydney Jack was convicted of domestic violence by the East London District Court. This verdict follows a disturbing incident that took place in March last year, where the officer assaulted his partner in the presence of two minor children at his residence. The combination of domestic violence and unauthorized firearm use has raised alarming concerns about the safety and integrity of those who are sworn to protect communities. On the day of the incident, it was reported that Sergeant Jack not only assaulted the victim but also fired a shot in the air from his firearm, heightening the potential danger to all present. Officers from the Community Service Centre (CSC) had to be called in as Jack resisted arrest. Eventually, police managed to disarm him and seize his firearm, which was not holstered at the time. The court sentenced Sergeant Jack to one month imprisonment or a fine of R1000 for the assault, with the sentence suspended for five years. Additionally, he received a three-month imprisonment sentence or a fine of R6,000 for handling a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, which was also suspended for five years. Notably, he has been deemed unfit to possess a firearm going forward. Despite the gravity of the charges, there was initially an attempt by the victim to withdraw the case. However, this request was declined after consultations with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate's (IPID) Provincial Head and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), ensuring that the investigation continued despite the victim's wishes. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The conviction of Sergeant Sipho Sydney Jack serves as a pivotal moment in the fight against domestic violence, especially within institutions meant to uphold the law. This case is not just an indictment of one individual's actions but a reflection of the systemic issues that need addressing in law enforcement. The community and stakeholders are left to ponder not only the future implications for Sergeant Jack but also the ongoing conversations about accountability, safety, and domestic violence in South Africa. IOL
The Citizen
16 hours ago
- The Citizen
IFP retains highly contested KZN ward
A FIERCELY-contested by-election on Wednesday saw the IFP retain Ward 23 with 1 559 votes. In second place was the ANC with 648 votes, MK Party with 567 votes, EFF with 188 votes, and the Labour Party with 68 votes. ALSO READ: Vehicle ploughs into residential wall in Empangeni IFP KZN Deputy Chairperson Inkosi Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala said, 'This remarkable victory is a testament to the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of IFP volunteers, members and leaders who dedicated themselves to the intense campaign.' He called on newly elected Ward Councillor Samkelo Myeni to emulate the 'exemplary leadership of IFP founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi', adding that they will continue this momentum going into the 2026 local elections. ANC Provincial Spokesperson Fanle Sibisi also thanked the 'structures on the ground' for their support. 'The ANC is immensely proud of your efforts to defend democracy and uphold the values of justice, fairness and people-centred governance. 'Although the outcome of the by-election was not in our favour, the ANC takes pride in having waged a principled and spirited campaign,' said Sibisi. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
19 hours ago
- IOL News
R50,000 reward after armed man enquired about SAPS member's child at school aftercare
The unidentified man sought by police for questioning after allegedly entering a Bellville learning institution while armed and enquiring about the child of a police officer. Cape Town police are offering a R50,000 cash reward for information that could help identify and locate an armed man who allegedly entered a Bellville learning institution with malicious intent and enquired about the child of a police officer. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi says detectives are urgently seeking the public's assistance in identifying an unknown individual who may assist with an ongoing investigation. "Detectives attached to the Western Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are seeking the assistance of the public for information that will lead to the detention and conviction of an unidentified man who can assist Police in an investigation after an enquiry docket was opened," said Swartbooi.
