Police kill alleged triggerman in Katlehong IFP deputy chief whip’s murder
Zamani Ngila Ximba, wanted for the May shooting that claimed the life of Gauteng IFP Deputy Chief Whip Khethamabala Sithole in Katlehong, was shot and killed by police during an operation in Duduza.
The alleged triggerman, Zamani Ngila Ximba, in the murder of Gauteng IFP Deputy Chief Whip Khethamabala Sithole, was shot and killed by police officers in Duduza on October 9.
Ximba and his alleged accomplices are accused of murdering Gauteng IFP Deputy Chief Whip Sithole. Sithole was killed in a hail of bullets during the launch of the IFP branch at Buyafuthi Hostel, in Katlehong, on May 31, wherein the Gauteng IFP provincial secretary Alco Ngobese and IFP Gauteng youth leader Sambulo Nxumalo were wounded in the process.
Before the shooting of Ximba, the three other suspects were arrested, and they have appeared in court several times; they were denied bail in their last court appearance in August.
According to the Gauteng province SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mvela Masondo, police acted on an intelligence report that Ximba, who has been on the run since May, was hiding in a house in Duduza.
“As the police arrived at the house, Ximba withdrew what looked to be a firearm and pointed it at the police officers, who opened fire in retaliation. However, when the police checked the weapon, they found it to be a replica gun.
“The suspect was wanted in connection with murdering Sithole, whereby two other victims were injured at Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong on May 31,” said Masondo.
He added that following the incident, the detectives of provincial serious and violent crimes investigations, working closely with crime intelligence, launched a manhunt and arrested the three suspects, Bhekokuhle Sithole (36), Ntando Ximba (30), and Mkhululi Sithole (33), who are charged with murder and attempted murder. They are still in custody and scheduled to appear in court on November 20.
“A warrant of arrest had been issued for Ximba, who had evaded it until he was traced and captured in Duduza. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been informed of the incident and will conduct a full investigation into Ximba’s death.
In a written statement, the IFP national spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said the IFP is pleased with the latest developments in the investigation of the murder case of Sithole.
“Law enforcement agencies were led to a residence in Duduza, where the main suspect and alleged triggerman, Ximba, was shot and killed during an operation conducted by the SAPS. Sithole was tragically killed in May during a shooting at the Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong, and to date, the motive for his murder remains unclear.
“The IFP commends the efforts of the DPC Tracking Team, Benoni TRT, Johannesburg District CI, and all members of the SAPS involved in pursuing this case. Their commitment to following up on critical information has been commendable,” Hlengwa expressed.
He added that while they welcome the progress, they still seek answers as to who orchestrated this heinous act.
“We urge law enforcement authorities to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice and to ensure that the mastermind behind Sithole’s killing is brought to book.
“Finding those who ordered this crime will bring much-needed closure to the Sithole family, the IFP, and the nation,” Hlengwa concluded.
ALSO READ: 3 accused labelled ‘dangerous’ in Khethamabala Sithole murder case
