Official’s assassination signals threat to CoE’s anti-corruption drive

The Mafole family remains devastated after the unexpected death of their son, Mpho, who was fatally shot while returning home from a meeting in Alberton.

On Monday evening, a senior official in the CoE’s governance unit was ambushed along the R23 in Kempton Park just hours after leaving the meeting.

Mpho, 47, had joined the city in April as the group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits, bringing years of experience from the auditor-general’s office.

His assassination sent shockwaves through the municipality, which described the killing as a “horrible and deeply saddening loss”.

City officials confirmed Mafole’s murder late on Monday night. He had been returning from the Alberton meeting when unknown gunmen opened fire on his vehicle.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said Mpho was found with multiple gunshot wounds, and the motive for the killing remains unknown. Police investigations are ongoing.

Desperate for answers

Mpho’s parents described him as a man committed to public service.

“He loved serving people with purpose. He used to say he wanted to change the narrative in Ekurhuleni, where everything would be done accordingly, with honesty and accountability,” said his parents.

The family, reeling from shock and heartbreak, are desperate for answers. Mpho’s sudden and violent death has raised serious concerns across the CoE, especially in light of previous attacks on officials in key financial and anti-corruption roles.

Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza described Mafole as “a fearless champion for ethical governance”, and issued a stern warning that the assassination signals a serious threat to the city’s renewal agenda.

“This murder, coming amid a troubling string of attacks on anti-corruption officials, cannot be ignored. We call on the police and national security structures to intervene with urgency and bring those responsible to justice,” Xhakaza said.

Worrying pattern

The city’s head of the Department of Communications, Marketing and Tourism and the official spokesperson, Phakamile Mbengashe, said the municipality is co-operating with law enforcement.

“The SAPS is leading the investigation. At this stage, we are unaware of any confirmed link between Mpho’s professional duties and the incident, but we remain guided by police findings,” Mbengashe said.

Due to the confidential nature of forensic investigations, the city has refrained from commenting on the specific cases Mphio might have been working on. However, officials acknowledged the high-risk nature of his role and the pressing need for enhanced security for staff in sensitive positions.

In September 2023, Ekurhuleni’s CFO, Kagiso Lerutla, survived a shooting after being ambushed in Primrose. Just three months later, Simnikiwe Mapini, a finance department adjudicator, was gunned down near Rand Airport in Germiston.

“These are not isolated incidents. We are taking the safety of our officials extremely seriously. Risk assessments are ongoing, and we continue to work with law enforcement to mitigate threats,” Mbengashe said.

Cowardly acts

The Southern African Institute of Government Auditors joined the chorus of grief and condemnation.

“Mafole was a dedicated professional whose contribution to the public service will not be forgotten. His passing is a loss to the profession and the country,” said the institute.

Mbengashe vowed the municipality would do everything in its power to help with the investigation and ensure justice was served.

The Portfolio Committee on the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs expressed shock and condemned Mpho’s assassination.

Committee chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize highlighted the dangerous responsibilities faced by officials rooting out corruption.

“This cowardly and violent act threatens the lives of dedicated public servants and seeks to intimidate and hinder efforts to build clean, accountable governance,” he said.

Protect whistleblowers

Mkhize emphasised the urgent need to strengthen protections for whistleblowers and anti-corruption officials.

“Reforms to safeguard those who speak out and act against corruption must urgently be expedited,” Mkhize expressed.

As the committee prepares for oversight visits to municipalities following poor audit outcomes, Mkhize vowed continued efforts to ensure accountability and protection for those serving the public interest.

“The committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mafole family, colleagues and loved ones during this difficult time. We urge law enforcement agencies to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice,” he added.

Anyone with information about the murder is urged to contact the local police or Crime Stop anonymously on 086 001 0111.

“The committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mafole family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time. We urge law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly,” he added.

Anyone with information about the murder is urged to contact local police or Crime Stop anonymously on 086 001 0111.

WATCH: Babita Deokaran’s murderers get 6 to 22 years imprisonment