The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is calling for a thorough and exhaustive police investigation into the murder of its Member of Parliament, Mr. Khethamabala Sithole, who was shot and killed in late May while conducting party work.
The incident, which took place at the Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong east of Johannesburg, also left two other IFP members wounded. Three suspects, arrested in June, appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court this week to seek bail, facing a litany of serious charges.
The party, while relieved by the swift arrests, expressed profound sadness at the loss of one of their own. IFP Chairperson in the region, Mr. Lemba, described Sithole’s death as a “great loss to the party.” He noted that while the killing did not initially appear to be politically motivated, the MP’s life was tragically cut short.
“Yes, relief but at the same time very sad because one of us was killed in our meeting,” Lemba stated outside the courtroom. “We don’t know what was the motive… but one should really commend and thank the family of the deceased for working with us to make sure that we unearthed this thing with the police to make sure that it has nothing to do with politics.”
The three accused face charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The state has strongly opposed their release on bail, a move the IFP has publicly supported.
“We are very happy with the case of the state in opposing bail,” Lemba said. “I think they were very factual regardless of the defense trying to really rubbish this thing.”
The courtroom was attended by IFP members showing support for the Sithole family, who are adamant that the accused should remain behind bars. A family representative expressed deep disappointment at the situation, calling it an unprecedented tragedy.
“We are very disappointed to hear the name of Sithole there… It’s the first time to be happening in this family,” the representative said.
The fate of the three suspects will be decided on Friday when the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court is expected to hand down its ruling on their bail application. The IFP and the family of the slain MP have vowed to continue their pursuit of justice, urging authorities to “leave no stone unturned.”
