IFP lauds slain Petros Sithole as ‘gentle giant'

Hlabisa delivered the eulogy at Sithole’s funeral in Nkandla, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday.

Sithole, who was as a member of the party’s National Council and deputy chief whip in the National Assembly, was gunned down at the Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong, Gauteng, over a week ago.

READ MORE: IFP MP gunned down in Gauteng

Hlabisa said Sithole’s family should be at peace knowing that he was a good man who served his community and the IFP well.  

“Indeed, Jobe (Sithole’s clan name) was an epitome of an IFP member, always level-headed. He sought reconciliation in all circumstances, and he was always ready to forgive,” said Hlabisa. 

He added that Sithole poured his dedication to inspire the youth, saying he used sports to support the young people. 

“It was one of the ways that personally got him involved in developing young talent.”

Hlabisa said Sithole completed the Comrades Marathon on more than one occasion, which said a lot about his character. 

“It is an honour for him that the sport he liked most, the Comrades Marathon, is on the day we lay him to rest,” said Hlabisa. 

Meanwhile, IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa described the murder of Sithole as senseless.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with Sithole’s death and made their first appearance at the Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

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