IFP leader had gunshot dreams before he was killed in Katlehong
Khethamabala Sithole was remembered as a caring and principled man at his memorial service.
Gauteng Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) deputy chief whip, Khethamabala Sithole (68) was remembered as a principled and dedicated member during a memorial service held on June 5 at the Germiston Civic Centre.
Sithole was fatally shot at Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong during a meeting on May 31.
Two suspects were arrested in the township on June 2 and appeared at Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on June 5. The case was postponed to June 12 for a formal bail application.
Police are seeking additional suspects believed to be linked to Sithole’s murder; charges include murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms.
Two other IFP leaders present during the attack, Alco Ngobese and Sambulo Nxumalo, were wounded and are recovering in separate hospitals.
IFP deputy president Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi described Sithole as a “humble and honourable man.”
“As IFP members, we must uphold his spirit and character,” Buthelezi said. He praised Sithole as a selfless individual committed to the values of IFP founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. “His journey—from the dusty roads of Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, to the economic hub of Gauteng—was marked by dedication and discipline. He was a stabiliser, a reconciler, and a man of moral substance who stood firm through apartheid’s bloodshed and the birth of democracy.”
Sithole’s cousin, Thulani Mkhize, recalled him as a man of integrity who cared deeply for those around him.
“He made time for everyone and loved serving the people. His death is the saddest memory I will carry,” Mkhize said.
National Parliament chief whip Nhlanhla Hadebe shared how Sithole confided in him about recurring dreams of gunshots before his death. “After he was killed, I realised those dreams were a premonition.”
KwaZulu-Natal traditional king Sipho Sithole expressed deep grief: “We mourn the loss of a brother and father to us all.”
Ekurhuleni council speaker Nthabiseng Tshivenga, speaking at the memorial, urged hostel leaders to help fight crime in their communities. “Criminality in hostels is a serious problem that needs to be eradicated. Khethamabala Sithole served this area diligently, and his loss is deeply felt.”
ActionSA MP Dr Kgosi Letlape recalled productive conversations with Sithole in Parliament. “If all our leaders were like him, our country would be better. He was honourable, humble, and stood for what was right.”
DA MP Thamsanqa Mabhena remembered Sithole as a keen athlete who ran the Comrades Marathon nine times.
“He always encouraged me to participate. May his soul rest in peace; I will cherish our moments together.”
Khethamabala Sithole was laid to rest in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, on June 8.
