News24 | Suspect in IFP deputy chief whip’s murder shot dead by police in Duduza

Zamani Ngila Ximba, wanted for the alleged murder of IFP deputy chief whip Khethamabala Sithole and two others, was shot dead by police in Duduza, Ekurhuleni.

• Zamani Ngila Ximba, wanted for the alleged murder of IFP deputy chief whip Khethamabala Sithole and two others, was shot dead by police in Duduza, Ekurhuleni.
• Ximba reportedly pointed a replica firearm at officers during the confrontation, prompting them to open fire.
• Two other suspects in the case, Bhekukuhle and Mkhululi Sithole, are already in custody and will appear in court on 20 November.

A man wanted in connection with the alleged murder of IFP deputy chief whip Khethamabala Sithole was killed on Thursday in Duduza, Ekurhuleni.

Zamani Ngila Ximba was shot dead when police officers entered the house where he was allegedly hiding.

“As the police entered the house, Ximba pointed a firearm at the officers, and they responded by firing at him,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo.

“Upon retrieving the firearm from Ximba, it was discovered that the weapon he pointed at the police was a replica.”

According to Masondo, Ximba was also wanted for the attempted murder of two other people during the same incident.

Sithole and two others were shot in May at a hostel in Katlehong.

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Masondo said that the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigations unit worked closely with Crime Intelligence to track down the suspects.

This collaboration led to the arrests of Bhekukuhle Sithole, 36, and Mkhululi Sithole, 33, within a few days.

The pair have been charged with murder and attempted murder.

“They remain in custody. Zamani Ximba, identified as the third suspect, had been issued with a warrant of arrest and had been on the run until police discovered his hiding place in Duduza.”

Masondo said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) were alerted to the incident.

IPID comment will be added when received.