By Johnathan Paoli
Gauteng IFP Chairperson Bonginkosi Dlamini has praised the party’s recently slain deputy chief whip, Khethamabala Sithole, as a humble, loyal and dedicated cadre, who was committed to serving the party and the people of South Africa.
The memorial service was held at the Germiston City Hall in Ekurhuleni, with family, colleagues and party members gathering to honour his life and legacy.
“He was once a leader of the IFP here in Ekurhuleni and he was also a leader of the province as he was now the deputy chief whip of the IFP in the National Assembly. He was very dedicated and very humble; he gave it all to the party,” Dlamini said.
Sithole was shot dead in Katlehong on 31 May 2025 during a community meeting at Buyafuthi hostel.
The assailants reportedly opened fire on a group of people, killing Sithole on the scene and injuring two others.
One of the wounded has since been discharged from hospital, while the other remains under medical care.
Dlamini also highlighted Sithole’s long-standing commitment to the IFP, noting that he joined the party in the early 1980s and rose through its ranks.
“The fact that the deputy president [of the IFP] is coming here tells you that the party is honouring him and values his contribution. That’s why we even had to ask the family that the funeral should take place on Sunday so that the president, who is still overseas, should also attend to honour him,” he said.
As the memorial service proceeded, two suspects accused of Sithole’s murder appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
The pair, aged 30 and 32, face charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Their case has been postponed to next week for a formal bail application.
The arrests followed a breakthrough by a special police task team investigating the attack.
According to the SA Police Service (SAPS), three individuals were initially brought in for questioning on Monday.
Two were positively linked to the incident and charged, while the third was released.
“Two suspects have been arrested and charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder, following the incident which took place at Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong on 31 May at about 5:30pm,” SAPS said in a statement.
As the IFP mourns the loss of one of its senior leaders, tributes continue to pour in for Sithole, who was remembered by many as a respected public servant who never lost touch with communities.
The party has called for justice to be served swiftly and for Sithole’s legacy to live on through continued service and peacebuilding.
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