Police have made a breakthrough in the murder investigation of IFP Deputy Chief Whip Khethamabala Sithole and have arrested two suspects.

The Witness reports that a task team established to probe Sithole’s death made the arrests this week.

Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo says the two suspects have been charged with two counts of attempted murder, following the incident which took place at Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong last Saturday.

“The team brought in three people for questioning. Two of them, aged 30 and 32, were linked to the incident, while the third person was released. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

“The suspects will be appearing [in] the Palmridge Magistrate’s Court today,” Masondo says.

Masondo says Sithole was killed by the suspects on Saturday evening in Katlehong, Gauteng.

“It was reported that unknown men opened fire on the group of people gathered for a meeting. Sithole was declared dead on the scene while two more people were taken to hospital with gunshot injuries.”

Provincial secretary Alco Ngobese was also injured in the shooting and is receiving treatment.

IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa described Sithole as ‘a hard-working servant leader of the people and our country’.

Sithole joined the IFP in his youth and served in various party structures, including as IFP Gauteng provincial chairperson.

The EFF in Gauteng said, earlier in the week, the death may have been politically motivated and slammed political intolerance.

“Political killings are unacceptable and undermine our democracy. We therefore condemn all acts of political violence and urge all parties to show maximum tolerance and respect for opposing views. Democracy must be built on peace, not violence.”

The Good Party also shared its condolences.

“Violence has no place in our democracy. May his soul rest in peace.”

The ANC also paid tribute to Sithole on Sunday.

“We condemn this brutal act and call for urgent intervention by law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the ANC said.

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