Murder accused in killing of Ekurhuleni auditor awaits bail ruling

Thabani Goodwill Ntshalintshali appeared in the Kempton Park Regional Court for a bail application on October 14.

He sought bail in connection with the murder of Mpho Mafole, Ekurhuleni’s group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits, shot on June 30 in Kempton Park.

The court postponed the bail ruling to October 31.

ALSO READ: Ndlovu and former colleague back in court over conspiracy charges

Ntshalintshali, facing murder charges, stated in his bail affidavit that he intends to plead not guilty.

Among the reasons cited for seeking bail, he said he wished to reunite with his children and family and to raise funds to pay his legal representatives.

He confirmed that he has a valid passport and would surrender it if the court ordered.

During the proceedings, Ntshalintshali’s legal representative, Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, read excerpts from the bail affidavit: “I was arrested at my residence on the night of July 23, 2025, while sleeping with my girlfriend.

“I did not resist arrest and have co-operated with the police to date. The police searched my home and my person, but found nothing offensive, illegal or linking me to this matter,” Mlotshwa stated.

The State opposed bail, arguing that Ntshalintshali poses a threat to the community.

Prosecutors emphasised that he is accused of committing another crime while previously out on bail for a separate murder case.

The State also presented evidence suggesting Ntshalintshali drove the vehicle involved in following Mafole on the morning of his death, and that that vehicle fled the scene after the shooting with him behind the wheel.

ALSO READ: Accused serial killer lured women with fake jobs – court hears

The grief of the Mafole family was evident in court. Kiki Mafole, the father of the late Mpho Mafole, expressed deep anguish.

“All we want is justice for our son. The pain runs deep. Even Mpho’s mother cannot cope; she avoids coming to court because she is always crying.

“This person shows no remorse. He was granted bail previously and then allegedly murdered my son. He is a killing machine. Justice can only be served if those responsible are held accountable.”

Ntshalintshali’s legal team requested a postponement to respond to the State’s arguments, and the magistrate granted the adjournment to October 31. Ntshalintshali remains in custody.

IRS Forensic Investigations, assisting the family, is providing resources and support to the SAPS investigators.

Chad Thomas, an IRS organised crime investigator, said, “There are several working hypotheses regarding who might have had a motive to order the assassination.

It would be a travesty of justice if the accused received bail, considering he was already on bail for another murder.

The State has opposed bail with compelling reasons, and as this is a Schedule 6 offence, the onus is on the accused to show exceptional circumstances, which appear unlikely.”