Johannesburg – Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP, 68-year-old Khethamabala Petros Sithole, has been shot dead in Katlehong, Gauteng.
Provincial Secretary of the IFP Alco Ngobese was shot and injured in the violent evening attack on Saturday, 31 May 2025.
Commenting on the murder, IFP National Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said: “It is with shock, sadness and utter grief that the IFP announces the untimely passing of Honourable Khethamabala Petros Sithole MP (68) who was assassinated in Katlehong earlier this evening by unknown assailants”.
Sithole was a member of the IFP’s National Council and served as the Party’s Deputy Chief Whip in Parliament.
“Details are still sketchy at the moment, and it is the IFP’s expectation that the law enforcement agencies will spare no effort to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice,” said Hlengwa.
“Honourable Sithole was a hard-working servant leader of the people and our country. We have lost a trusted patriot and a diligent leader of the IFP.”
Sithole joined the IFP in his youth.
He served in various party structures including being IFP Gauteng Provincial Chairperson.
Sithole served as a Councillor in Ekurhuleni and thereafter served a brief stint in the Gauteng Legislature from 2009 to 2010.
“He was redeployed to the National Assembly in 2010 where he served with diligence until his passing,” said Hlengwa.
“The IFP is poorer today with Jobe’s passing, and South Africa has lost a good man who served his country par excellence.
“The IFP extends its sincerest condolences to the Sithole Family.
“Rest in peace Jobe.”
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has extended “heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and comrades of the IFP following the tragic and senseless assassination of Hon. Khethamabala Petros “KP” Sithole MP”.
The EFF added: “In the same incident the Provincial Secretary of the IFP Alco Ngobese was shot and sustained injuries, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
“We are deeply saddened by this act of violence which has robbed South Africa of a long-serving public representative and servant of the people.
“Honourable Sithole’s years of dedication in various legislative roles, including in Ekurhuleni, the Gauteng Legislature, and ultimately in the National Assembly, are a testament to his commitment to public service.”
The EFF said it has “consistently highlighted the scourge of violent crimes exacerbated by the lackluster police force and the proliferation of guns in our communities.
“We have also in the same vein called upon the police to have a focused operation to prevent political killings and violence.
“We condemn in the strongest terms this brutal killing and call on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“May the soul of KP Sithole rest in perfect peace.”
