Gauteng police have offered a R60,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a “very dangerous” man wanted in connection with the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP Khethamabala Sithole.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the reward and identified the suspect as Zamani Ngila Ximba.
“The police in Gauteng have issued a reward of R60,000 to anyone who can come forward 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,” Masondo said.
Masondo described the suspect as tall, dark in complexion, and considered armed and “very dangerous.”
News previously reported that two other suspects have already been arrested in connection with the killing, police national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.
The pair is expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on a charge of murder.
Sithole was gunned down in a hail of bullets on May 31 at the Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
The attack has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s political community.
The IFP has welcomed the arrests and praised law enforcement for progress in the case.
“We are encouraged by the announcement from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Gauteng regarding the breakthrough in this case, and we continue to place our trust in the justice system to ensure that all those involved – not just the two suspects arrested – are brought to book,” the party said in a statement.
“We further urge the SAPS to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the full truth behind this assassination,” the IFP added.
Despite limited information, the party maintains that Sithole’s death was an assassination.
“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,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the police urged anyone with information that could lead to Ximba’s arrest to contact Majaro General Mbuso Khumalo at 082-556-8642, Captain Abe Montoedi at 082-461-4794, Crime Stop at 08600-10111, or use the MySAPS app.
“All received information will be treated as confidential,” Masondo added.
Politics
