Tragic Assassination of Ekurhuleni’s Head of Corporate and Forensic Audits, Mpho Mafole

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Johannesburg, Thursday, 3 July 2025 — Public Interest SA is deeply shocked and outraged by the brutal assassination of Mr. Mpho Mafole, the Head of Corporate and Forensic Audits at the City of Ekurhuleni, who was gunned down in what appears to have been a targeted killing.

Mr Mafole was shot and killed on Monday while driving along the R23 in Esselen Park, Kempton Park. He had assumed his critical role at the City only three months ago, bringing with him over 14 years of distinguished service at the Auditor-General of South Africa. His appointment was widely welcomed as a credible step toward restoring governance and accountability in a municipality increasingly mired in allegations of corruption and maladministration.

His assassination is a devastating blow to the fight against corruption and raises serious concerns about the safety of professionals working to uphold the integrity of public institutions. It is particularly troubling that Mr Mafole was killed while actively leading high-stakes forensic investigations, potentially involving powerful interests within and beyond the municipal administration. Several senior City of Ekurhuleni officials are currently suspended pending investigations into various forms of misconduct.

Public Interest SA calls for a full-scale, independent investigation into Mr Mafole’s assassination. We further urge the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), and other competent law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators — and any masterminds behind this heinous act — to justice.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for the South African government to institute robust whistleblower and anti-corruption defender protection mechanisms. Those who expose wrongdoing or work within institutions to root out corruption must be shielded from harm — not punished with death.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr Mafole’s family, friends, and colleagues, and salute his courage, integrity, and public service. His death must not be in vain. Let this moment serve as a clarion call to all sectors of society to recommit to the defence of ethical governance and the protection of those who fight for it.

📸 K2M Funeral Services

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Issued by:

Tebogo Khaas

Chairperson, Public Interest SA

Email: media@publicinterest.org.za

Tel: +27 (0)10 005 5884