Johannesburg – Mourners gathered on Sunday to pay their final respects to Mpho Mafole, the slain Ekurhuleni official who led the city’s corporate and forensic audit department.
Mafole was gunned down last week in a suspected hit, sparking outrage and sorrow among loved ones and colleagues who described him as a fearless advocate for good governance.
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.
City of Ekurhuleni’s head of the Corporate and Forensic Audit department, Mpho Mafole’s funeral service underway. https://t.co/7yfwjQCaeF
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 6, 2025
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.
Mafole, born in Thembisa, had a distinguished career in forensic auditing, holding qualifications from Pretoria Technikon and the University of Pretoria.
His professional journey included roles at Ernst & Young and the Auditor-General’s office before joining Ekurhuleni.
Colleagues praised him as a man of integrity who stood firm against corruption despite facing risks.
[WATCH]: Ekhuruleni Auditor Mpho Mafole is being laid to rest today, after being killed in a hail of bullets, in an attack believed to be an execution.
The 47 year old was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting on Monday, while driving home from a meeting.
Mafole was just three… pic.twitter.com/t0fzljIYKi
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) July 6, 2025
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza hailed him as a dynamic leader, a beacon of hope, and a champion of good governance.
“He was more than just a public servant. He was larger than life, because he led such a big life, and we were still looking for more greatness from him. He touched the lives of many of our people. He was a beacon of hope and a voice of conscience and a tireless advocate for the principles that underpin good governance,” Times Live quoted Xhakaza as saying.
Mafole is survived by his fiancée, three children, and parents.
Police are still investigating his murder, and the motive remains unknown.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
