Pressure mounts on Ekurhuleni mayor amid allegations and crime links
Questions are being raised over governance in Ekurhuleni after the DA linked two violent crimes to alleged corruption within the metro, claims the mayor has dismissed as politically motivated.
The dark cloud of corruption again descended on the CoE, placing Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza at the centre of allegations linking him to two high-profile criminal cases that shook Gauteng’s local government.
The DA called on the Gauteng Serious Crimes Unit to urgently investigate the 2023 shooting of DJ Bongani Mfito. The call came after claims that the case might be connected to the June 2025 murder of CoE internal auditor, Mpho Mafole.
According to the DA, a suspect arrested for Mfito’s shooting was allegedly also involved in killing Mafole, a development that intensified public concern and raised questions about organised criminal networks operating within municipal structures.
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Mafole was shot days after submitting a confidential report detailing alleged irregularities on a multimillion-rand chemical toilet tender awarded by the city. His death sent shockwaves through the municipality, reinforcing fears that whistle-blowers and officials trying to expose corruption face mortal danger.
In the statement, the DA claimed it had submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act application to obtain Mafole’s report, but that the mayor’s office had repeatedly blocked its release.
“These latest revelations, combined with testimony presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, point to a deeply troubling reality: The CoE is fast becoming an active crime scene,” said Clr Brandon Pretorius, the DA CoE caucus leader.
The opposition argued that the mayor’s alleged involvement in multiple scandals should alarm every resident of the metro.
“The DA will not rest until the truth is brought to light and justice is served for victims of this gangster city. Failing to act would be a slap in the face to law-abiding citizens, who expect elected leaders to defend the law, not break it,” said Pretorius
Mayor rejects allegations
Xhakaza denied involvement in the shootings, describing the claims as reckless, defamatory and politically motivated.
In a statement, he noted “with deep concern” a series of articles published by News24 on January 19, which, he believed, sought to link him to the death of Mfihlo.
“The mayor views this report as the latest unsubstantiated attempt to tarnish his reputation and delegitimise his leadership authority,” said acting mayoral spokesperson Ramatolo Tlotleng.
The statement further said the mayor reaffirmed his respect for media freedom, but urged journalists to uphold accuracy and fairness, warning against what he termed a “trial by media” that could undermine ongoing investigations.
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He reiterated his confidence in the SAPS, calling for justice to be served “without fear, favour or prejudice”.
The mayor added that he had consistently escalated incidents of violence against councillors and CoE officials to senior government and law enforcement, and had repeatedly called for justice for the late Mafole.
Legal action and calls for transparency
In response to the allegations, Xhakaza confirmed that he was consulting legal representatives to explore possible civil action for defamation against those responsible.
Despite his defence, pressure continues to mount as political parties, civil society organisations and residents demand transparency, the release of Mafole’s report, and swift progress in the investigations.
With two violent crimes, an unreleased audit report and allegations of political interference, Ekurhuleni is at a critical crossroads.
The question remains whether these cases will finally expose entrenched corruption or whether the city’s leadership will remain.
