Three convicted of killing IFP official Mthokozisi Sithole outside Weenen tavern
The Escourt Regional Court found the men guilty of murder and of possessing an unlicensed firearm, with sentencing set for 28 October 2026.
Three men have been convicted of the murder of Mthokozisi Sithole, an Inkatha Freedom Party branch executive committee secretary who was shot and killed outside a tavern in Weenen on 27 January 2024.
Sthembiso Nkululeko Xulu, Mduduzi Mncube and Sthabiso Mncube were convicted on Thursday in the Escourt Regional Court, according to SAnews, the South African Government News Agency. The matter was postponed to 28 October 2026 for sentencing.
The South African Police Service welcomed the convictions. It said the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal arrested four suspects, who were charged with murder and with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The investigation also established a link between the firearm used in Sithole’s murder and another murder case, that of Thembinkosi Manana. Sthabiso Mncube was charged in the Manana case as well, and the two matters were prosecuted jointly. Judgment was handed down in both, with the court finding three accused guilty of murder and of 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,” the police said.
Source: SAnews (South African Government News Agency), Police welcome convictions in murder of IFP member Mthokozisi Sithole
