Police in Gauteng have confirmed the death of a wanted suspect linked to the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Deputy Chief Whip, Khethamabala Sithole, during an early morning shootout in Duduza, Ekurhuleni....Click to Read More >>➤
The suspect, identified as Zamani Ngila Ximba, had been on the run since May following the fatal shooting of Sithole and the attempted murder of two others in Katlehong. After months of intensive tracking and intelligence-led investigations, police located Ximba’s hideout in Duduza, where a confrontation unfolded on Thursday morning.
Colonel Mavela Masondo, the Gauteng police spokesperson, confirmed the incident in an official statement.
“Zamani Ngila Ximba, who was wanted for the alleged murder of Inkatha Freedom Party Deputy Chief Whip, Mr. Khethamabala Sithole, and the attempted murder of two other people, was fatally wounded during the early hours of Thursday, 09 October 2025, in Duduza, Ekurhuleni,” said Masondo.
Shootout During Arrest Attempt
According to Masondo, officers moved in on Ximba’s location as part of an operation to apprehend him. However, the situation quickly turned violent when Ximba allegedly opened fire on the arresting team.
“When officers attempted to arrest Ximba, he allegedly fired shots at them, prompting police to return fire,” Masondo explained.
The brief but intense exchange of gunfire left Ximba fatally wounded at the scene. None of the police officers involved sustained injuries during the operation.
Police sources disclosed that Ximba had been under surveillance for weeks before the tactical unit launched the operation. Intelligence gathered from ongoing investigations led authorities to believe that Ximba was planning to flee the province to avoid capture.
Months-Long Manhunt Ends
The suspect’s death brings an end to a five-month manhunt that began after the assassination of Sithole in Katlehong earlier this year. Sithole, who served as Deputy Chief Whip for the IFP in Gauteng, was gunned down in May in what authorities believe was a politically motivated attack. Two other individuals were also wounded in the same incident.
Following the shooting, police swiftly arrested two suspects — Bhekukuhle Sithole (36) and Mkhululi Sithole (33) — who were later charged with murder and attempted murder. Both men remain in custody as the case proceeds through the judicial process.
Ongoing Investigation and Court Proceedings
Colonel Masondo confirmed that investigations are still ongoing to determine whether Ximba’s death will affect the pending case against the two co-accused.
“The matter involving the other two suspects continues before the courts. Their next appearance is scheduled for 20 November 2025,” Masondo stated.
The IFP has not yet issued an official response to the news of Ximba’s death, though the case has drawn national attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the continued violence targeting political figures in South Africa.
Authorities have also indicated that ballistic evidence and forensic analysis will be conducted to confirm Ximba’s role in the Katlehong shooting and to verify whether any other suspects remain at large.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing suspects involved in political killings and serious violent crimes, noting that such acts undermine the country’s democratic stability.
As investigations continue, the community in Katlehong and Duduza has expressed mixed reactions — with some residents welcoming the closure that Ximba’s death brings, while others call for full transparency and accountability in the ongoing probe. ...Click to Read More >>➤
