Johannesburg – Tributes are pouring in for Mpho Mafole, the head of corporate and forensic audits in the City of Ekurhuleni, who was gunned down in what is believed to be a targeted assassination on Monday evening.
The 47-year-old senior official was shot multiple times while driving along the R23 in Esselen Park, Kempton Park, at approximately 5:55 PM. Police found Mafole’s lifeless body inside his vehicle, riddled with bullet wounds. The motive for the brutal attack remains unknown, and no arrests have been made.
Mafole, who joined the municipality just three months ago, had been at the forefront of efforts to tackle corruption and financial mismanagement in the city.
He previously served 14 years at the Auditor-General of South Africa, where he handled high-level investigations into public sector finances, reports said.
Ekurhuleni forensic audit chief gunned down in Kempton Park
Mpho Mafole, the City of Ekurhuleni’s group divisional head of corporate and forensic audits, was brutally assassinated on Tuesday evening.
The 47-year-old was shot dead while driving along the R23 in Esselen Park… pic.twitter.com/wo89ayPkOI
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) July 1, 2025
His sudden death has shocked the local government community and beyond, with tributes highlighting his professional integrity and unwavering dedication to clean governance.
In a statement, the City of Ekurhuleni described Mafole as “a principled, courageous leader who believed in rooting out wrongdoing”.
“We are devastated by the loss of a public servant who had only begun his journey with us but had already made a significant impact,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini. “We are working closely with law enforcement authorities and demand swift justice.”
Colleagues and fellow anti-corruption practitioners described Mafole as meticulous and fearless.
May the soul of Mpho Mafole Rest in Peace 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/hcXPkexpYw
— NkosindiphileX (@nkosindiphile_x) July 1, 2025
“He never backed down from uncovering the truth, no matter how high the stakes,” said a former colleague from the Auditor-General’s office.
“This is a massive loss, not just for Ekurhuleni but for South Africa’s ongoing fight against corruption.”
Parliament’s Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) portfolio committee also reacted with shock to Mafole’s assassination. Committee chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize said Mafole’s killing underscored the dangerous environment faced by public servants working to expose corruption.
“He brought with him an impressive track record of public service, including 14 years in the office of the Auditor-General. He was tasked with uncovering financial irregularities and promoting transparency in the City of Ekurhuleni, one of the country’s largest municipalities,” the committee said in a statement.
(1/3)The PC on #COGTA in @ParliamentofRSA condemned the killing of @City_Ekurhuleni‘s audit chief, Mr Mpho Mafole, noting the nature of his work underscored the often-dangerous responsibilities of those at the forefront of rooting out #CORRUPTION in public institutions.… pic.twitter.com/cW955E3CW0
— Governance-Cluster (@GovernanceClus1) July 2, 2025
“This cowardly and violent act also seeks to intimidate and hinder efforts to build clean and accountable governance, particularly in our municipalities where systemic failures persist,” Mkhize added.
The committee called for urgent reforms to strengthen the protection of whistle-blowers and anti-corruption officials.
“Reforms to safeguard those who speak out and act against corruption must urgently be expedited.”
It’s a very sad day when we report on yet another assassination of a forensic investigator. Mpho Kabasia Mafole CFE, (FP)SA, was a patriot who had worked in some of the most senior auditing and investigating posts. Our industry has suffered a huge loss. Condolences to his family,… pic.twitter.com/O2dMWucu1n
— IRS Forensic Investigations (@FraudWatchZA) July 2, 2025
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened a murder investigation and appealed to the public for information.
“Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity around the time of the shooting is urged to contact police urgently,” said SAPS spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza.
Mafole is survived by his wife and two children. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
