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IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa calls for a cost-effective National Dialogue
Cogta Minister and IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa urges a cost-effective National Dialogue focused on real solutions, not excessive spending, to address South Africa's deepening inequality and unresolved national issues. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says the upcoming National Dialogue must not be a costly talk shop, but rather a serious, inclusive, and solution-driven process to address South Africa's long-standing social, political, and economic challenges. Speaking in his capacity as part of the cabinet preparatory team for the Dialogue, Hlabisa expressed concern over the excessive budget allocated for the process and called for a comprehensive review of its costs. The IFP views the National Dialogue, set to take place on August 15, 2025, as a continuation of the CODESA talks that ushered in political freedom in 1994 but left many key issues unresolved. 'We are opposed to the excessive cost in relation to the National Dialogue,' said Hlabisa. 'It must not be done at an exorbitant price.' He specifically raised alarm over the reported R700 million earmarked for the Dialogue, calling it unjustifiable in a country grappling with deep poverty and inequality. 'In our meeting, we expressed our disquiet in terms of the figure that was mentioned,' Hlabisa said.
Eyewitness News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
IFP praises police for swift response in murder, attempted murder case of its members
JOHANNESBURG - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has praised police for its swift response in the shooting of its members, saying this should be extended to every South African, not just high-profile ones. On Thursday, two people appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court for the murder and attempted murders of three IFP members. ALSO READ: - IFP suspects shooting of members is related to external political motives - 2 suspects in murder of IFP MP Khethamabala Sithole abandon bail bids - Police offer R60k for info on remaining suspect in IFP MP Khethamabala Sithole's murder On 31 May, IFP's former Member of Parliament (MP), Petros Sithole, was fatally shot while leading a branch meeting at the Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg. Alco Ngobese and Sambulo Nxumalo were also shot but survived. It took less than a week for police to arrest the men suspected of being behind the shooting. Gauteng police have also issued a R60,000 reward for any information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of the third suspect, Zamani Ngila Ximba. The party's provincial chairperson, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, said all murder cases should be handled like this. 'This one, we think, is a catalyst for how we think police should work. With this case, there is one thing we have seen, when the case is removed from local police station and taken to province and national, there is progress. So, there is an issue with your local police because they have got relationships with criminals.' The matter returns to court on 29 July.
The South African
13-06-2025
- The South African
R60k reward for third suspect in murder of IFP MP
Gauteng police have issued a reward of R60 000 to anyone with information that will lead to the arrest of an alleged suspect in the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) deputy chief whip Khethamabala Sithole. Sithole was brutally gunned down at Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong last month during a ward meeting. South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Gauteng lieutenant colonel Mavela Masondi said they're offering the reward to anyone who come forward with information that can lead to the arrest and successful conviction of Zamani Ngila Ximba is wanted for the murder of IFP deputy chief whip, Khethamabala Sithole, and attempted murder of two other people at Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong on the 31 May 2025. Masondo said the suspect is tall, dark in complexion and deemed armed and very dangerous. 'Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect is urged to call Major General Mbuso Khumalo at 082 556 8642 or Captain Abe Montoedi at 082 461 4794 Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or by using MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential.' Meanwhile, the two suspects who were arrested two days after the murder of the IFP MP have abandoned their bail applications. Khethakuthula Sithole and Nontando Ximba appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, 12 June, for their bail application. The two are expected to return to court on 29 July. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Eyewitness News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
IFP suspects shooting of members is related to external political motives
JOHANNESBURG - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) suspects the shooting of three of its 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.
IOL News
12-06-2025
- IOL News
Have you seen this man? SAPS offers R60,000 for 'very dangerous' suspect in IFP MP's assassination
Zamani Ngila Ximba is still at large and is wanted for the murder of an IFP MP and may be hiding in Gauteng or beyond. Gauteng police have offered a R60,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a 'very dangerous' man wanted in connection with the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP Khethamabala Sithole. Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the reward and identified the suspect as Zamani Ngila Ximba. 'The police in Gauteng have issued a reward of R60,000 to anyone who can come forward with information that will lead to the arrest and successful conviction of Zamani Ngila Ximba, who is wanted for the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party Deputy Chief Whip Mr. Khethamabala Sithole,' Masondo said. Masondo described the suspect as tall, dark in complexion, and considered armed and 'very dangerous.' IOL News previously reported that two other suspects have already been arrested in connection with the killing, police national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said. The pair is expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on Thursday on a charge of murder. Sithole was gunned down in a hail of bullets on May 31 at the Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
