South Africa's political landscape has been rocked by the assassination of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Member of Parliament and Deputy Chief Whip, Khethamabala Petros "KP" Sithole. The 68-year-old was gunned down in Katlehong, Gauteng, on Saturday evening, 31 May 2025.
The IFP has confirmed the devastating news, expressing shock and profound sadness at the untimely death of Sithole. The party has described the incident as a deliberate assassination and is calling on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
"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," said IFP National Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
Details surrounding the attack remain sketchy, but the IFP is adamant that the authorities must act swiftly and decisively. "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," Hlengwa emphasised.
Tragically, Alco Ngobese, the Provincial Secretary of the IFP, was also shot and injured during the attack. He is currently receiving medical treatment, and well wishes for a speedy recovery have been extended to him.
Sithole was a long-serving and highly respected member of the IFP, having joined the party in his youth. He served on the IFP's National Council and held numerous leadership positions throughout his career, including serving as the IFP Gauteng Provincial Chairperson.
Hlengwa paid tribute to Sithole's dedication and commitment to public service. "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," he said.
Sithole's political career included a stint as a Councillor in Ekurhuleni, followed by a brief period in the Gauteng Legislature from 2009 to 2010. He was then redeployed to the National Assembly in 2010, where he served with diligence and distinction until his assassination.
"He was redeployed to the National Assembly in 2010 where he served with diligence until his passing," Hlengwa confirmed.
The IFP has expressed its profound sense of loss at Sithole's passing. "The IFP is poorer today with Jobe's passing, and South Africa has lost a good man who served his country par excellence," Hlengwa stated. "The IFP extends its sincerest condolences to the Sithole Family. Rest in peace Jobe."
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has also extended its condolences to the Sithole family, friends, and the IFP. The EFF condemned the "tragic and senseless assassination" and wished Alco Ngobese a speedy recovery.
"We are deeply saddened by this act of which has robbed South Africa of a long-serving public representative and servant of the people," the EFF said in a statement. "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 also used the opportunity to highlight the ongoing issue of in South Africa, which they attribute to a "lackluster police force and the proliferation of guns in our communities." They reiterated their call for a focused police operation to prevent political killings and .
Khusela Sangoni Diko, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, added her voice to the tributes, praising Sithole's immense contribution to the committee's work. She noted his dedication to improving the lives of ordinary people, particularly those in rural areas.
“He was loved and well-respected by many within the committee and the ICT sector,” Sangoni Diko said. “The committee is poorer today with Jobe’s passing, and South Africa has lost a good man who served his country par excellence. The committee extends its sincerest condolences to the Sithole Family and his political home, IFP. Rest in peace, Jobe uBaba Wethu”.
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