By Johnathan Poali
The assassination of Inkatha Freedom Party MP and deputy chief whip, Khethamabala Petros Sithole, in Katlehong in Ekurhuleni has sent shockwaves across South Africa’s political landscape, triggering widespread condemnation and calls for swift justice.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa described his death as an “assassination”, demanding that law enforcement agencies act decisively to apprehend those responsible.
“It is with shock, sadness and utter grief that the IFP announces the untimely passing of Hon. Khethamabala Petros Sithole MP, who was assassinated in Katlehong by unknown assailants. We have lost a trusted patriot and a diligent leader of the IFP. The IFP is poorer today with Jobe’s passing, and South Africa has lost a good man who served his country par excellence,” Hlengwa said.
Sithole, 68, was gunned down on Saturday evening at the Buyafuthi Hostel by unidentified assailants.
Details surrounding the shooting remain unclear and no suspects have been arrested.
However, the South African Police Service has confirmed that investigations are underway, with a focus on uncovering the motive behind the attack.
Sithole had been a lifelong member of the IFP, joining the party as a young activist and rising through the ranks to serve in numerous leadership roles.
He was a former Gauteng provincial chairperson, an Ekurhuleni councillor, and briefly served in the Gauteng Legislature from 2009 to 2010.
Since 2010, he had been an MP and was a member of several portfolio committees.
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies chairperson Khusela Diko also paid tribute to Sithole.
“Hon. Sithole contributed immensely to the work of the committee. He dedicated his energy to improving the lives of ordinary South Africans, especially in rural areas. He was loved and well-respected by many within the committee and the ICT sector,” Diko said.
The African National Congress joined the chorus of condemnation and mourning.
In a statement, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri described Sithole as a “principled leader, a unifier and a true patriot”.
“His calm leadership, humility and vision for a just and united South Africa will be sorely missed. We condemn this brutal act and call for urgent intervention by law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Bhengu-Motsiri said on Sunday.
The ANC further recognised Sithole’s efforts to foster peace and reconciliation, especially in transforming apartheid-era hostels, and his commitment to inter-party cooperation, particularly in strengthening ANC–IFP relations.
The IFP has extended its heartfelt condolences to Sithole’s family, with party leaders and members gathering in prayer and reflection across several regions.
The assassination has reignited concerns about the safety of political leaders in South Africa, particularly as the country navigates a fragile post-election political environment and the formation of a Government of National Unity.
The IFP, under the leadership of Velenkosini Hlabisa, who also serves as Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister, has called for greater protection of public representatives and a thorough national conversation on political violence.
Funeral and memorial details are expected to be announced by the IFP in the coming days.
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