By REGINALD KANYANE
12 October 2026 – The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has secured the conviction of three accused persons in connection with the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Branch Executive Committee (BEC) Secretary Mthokozisi Sithole. The national spokesperson, Colonel Amanda van Wyk said Sithole, who served as the IFP BEC secretary for Mbabazane Ward 20 under the iLanga Libalele Local Municipality, was shot and killed outside a tavern in Weenen on 27 January 2024. Van Wyk said following an intensive investigation by the PKTT, four suspects were arrested and charged with murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
“The accused were identified as Sthembiso Nkululeko Xulu, Mduduzi Mncube, Sthabiso Mncube and Sokolisa Sibiya. Mduduzi Mncube was identified as the alleged shooter.
“Investigators also established a link between the firearm used in Sithole’s murder and another murder case involving Thembinkosi Manana,” she said.
Van Wyk further said the third accused, Sthabiso Mncube, was also charged in connection with Manana’s murder, resulting in the two matters being prosecuted as joined cases. She added that following the investigations by the Political Killings Task Team, the court handed down its judgment in both matters, finding three accused guilty of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
“The matter has been postponed to 28 October 2026 for sentencing. The PKTT remained committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for political killings.
“The task team will continue working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to strengthen cases and ensure that perpetrators are brought before the courts,” said van Wyk said.
