Three men have been convicted of the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Branch Executive Committee (BEC) secretary Mthokozisi Sithole.

Sthembiso Nkululeko Xulu, Mduduzi Mncube and Sthabiso Mncube were convicted in the Estcourt Regional Court on Thursday, 8 October. They are expected to be sentenced on 28 October 2026.

THREE CONVICTED OF MURDERING IFP ACTIVIST MTHOKOZISI SITHOLE

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the IFP activist was shot and killed outside a tavern in Weenen on 27 January 2024.

NEWS: The IFP activist in Estcourt in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands who was gunned down last week Saturday is being buried today. Mthokozisi Sithole was gunned down last by unknown gunmen while in the town of Weenen. Speaking on the sidelines of the funeral, the chairperson of the… pic.twitter.com/Wu64o24VXY

— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) February 2, 2024

Following an investigation by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), four suspects were arrested and charged with murder and the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Police said the investigation also linked the firearm used in Mthokozisi Sithole’s murder to another case involving the killing of Thembinkosi Manana.

Sthabiso Mncube was also charged in connection with Manana’s murder, and the two cases were prosecuted jointly.

Judgment was handed down in both cases, with the court finding three accused guilty of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

“The PKTT remains resolute in its efforts to ensure that perpetrators of political killings are identified, arrested and prosecuted, while continuing to work closely with the National Prosecuting Authority to strengthen cases brought before the courts,” police said.

IFP chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal Thami Ntuli, applauded the work of the police in this case following the arrest of the suspects.