R60K REWARD: Hunt on for armed suspect in IFP deputy chief whip’s murder

Cape Town – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced a R60,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the third suspect, Zamani Ngila Ximba, wanted in connection with the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Deputy Chief Whip, Khethamabala Sithole.

Sithole was fatally shot on May 31, 2025, during a meeting at Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong, Gauteng, where unknown gunmen opened fire on the group of people who had gathered for a meeting, according to SA News.

Two suspects, aged 30 and 32, have already been arrested and charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder, while a third suspect remains at large.<

[IFP MP KILLERS ARRESTED] 2 suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of IFP MP Mr Khethamabala Sithole.The pair will appear before the PalmRidge Magistrate Court today on a charge of murder.The MP was shot multiple times at Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong on 31 May pic.twitter.com/qZjITDE7Pn

— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) June 5, 2025

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The reward aims to encourage the public to provide information that will help apprehend this third individual involved in the killing.

“The police in Gauteng have issued a reward of R60 000.00 to anyone who can come forth 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, and attempted murder of two other people at Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong on the 31 May 2025,” police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said in a statement.

“The suspect is tall, dark in complexion and deemed armed and very dangerous.”

RT #sapsGP #SAPS has issued a reward of R60 000.00 to anyone who can come forth 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, and… pic.twitter.com/dYt7zzPab3

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 12, 2025

Sithole was declared dead at the scene, and two others were injured, one of whom remains hospitalised.

The investigation is ongoing, with police expecting further arrests as they close in on all suspects involved.

The murder has drawn condemnation from various political parties, including the IFP, EFF, GOOD Party, and ANC, all calling for justice and an end to political violence.