A reward of R60 000 has been offered by Gauteng police to anyone who can provide information that will result in the arrest of Zamani Ngila Ximba, a third suspect in the murder of Khethamabala Petros Sithole, the deputy chief whip of the IFP in parliament.
Ximba is dangerous and armed, according to Lieutenant-General Mavela Masondo, the spokesperson for the Gauteng police.
“The police in Gauteng have issued a reward of R60 000 to anyone who can come forth with information that will lead to the arrest and successful conviction of Zamani Ngila Ximba,” said Masondo.
Suspect is dangerous and armed
“Ximba is wanted for the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party deputy chief whip, Mr Khethamabala Sithole, and the attempted murder of two other people at Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong on May 31.
“The suspect is tall, dark-skinned, deemed armed, and very dangerous.”
He urged anyone with information to call Major-General Mbuso Khumalo at 082 556 8642, Captain Abe Montoedi at 082 461 4794, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS app.
Masondo stated that all information received would be kept private.
Last week, two suspects, aged 30 and 32, respectively, were taken into custody in relation to Sithole’s murder and the attempted murders of two other individuals.
The two suspects returned to the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Thursday to submit their official bail application after making their initial court appearance there last week.
They have been charged with murder, attempted murder, and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
During Thursday’s proceedings, the two accused abandoned their bail application.
The case postponed was to July 29 for further investigations.
Phindi Mjonondwane, the regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, stated that the ongoing investigation does not allow for the identification of the suspects just yet.
Mjonondwane stated that the ongoing investigations into the shooting incident may lead to the arrest of more people.
Shot multiple times
Sithole and a few IFP leaders were standing outside the marquee when he sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
He passed away immediately, and two other people were taken to the hospital.
The hospital treated and discharged one of the two injured individuals, while the other remains hospitalised.
The shooting happened on May 31 at about 5.30pm during an IFP official event at the Buyafuthi hostel in Katlehong, east of Johannesburg.
Sithole was a member of the parliament’s portfolio committee that focuses on ethics and members’ interests, as well as human settlements, and communications and digital technologies.
