Accused in Ekurhuleni Auditor's Murder Case Appears in Court
Image: Facebook
Thabani Goodwill Ntshalintshali, a 40-year-old man accused of murdering City of Ekurhuleni Senior Auditor, Mpho Mafole, appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court today. Ntshalintshali faces charges of murder after Mafole was fatally shot on 30 June 2025, shortly after a work-related meeting.
The case has been postponed to 15 August 2025 for further investigation. According to the State's allegations, Ntshalintshali followed Mafole after the meeting and subsequently shot him in Kempton Park. Mafole, a highly respected senior official in the City of Ekurhuleni, was declared dead at the scene.
The police investigation was launched after a witness reported a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity shortly after the shooting. This tip led authorities to investigate further, ultimately leading to the identification of Ntshalintshali as the key suspect in the case.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
In addition to the murder charge related to Mafole's death, Ntshalintshali is facing another murder charge from an unrelated case, which is scheduled to go to trial on 12 and 19 August 2025.
This has led to the State's decision to oppose his bail application, citing concerns over the seriousness of the charges against him.
Ntshalintshali remains in custody pending his next court appearance.
Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng, commented on the case, emphasising the ongoing nature of the investigation.
'We are focused on thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr. Mafole's death and ensuring that justice is served,' Mjonondwane said.
'We are exploring all avenues in this case, and further arrests cannot be ruled out as we gather more evidence.'Mafole's death has left a significant impact on the local community and his colleagues at the City of Ekurhuleni. Known for his dedication to transparency and effective public sector auditing, Mafole's passing has raised concerns about the safety of government employees, particularly in light of the violent nature of the crime.
His colleagues have expressed deep sadness and shock over the incident, remembering him as a committed professional whose work had a profound impact on the city's operations.
The tragic killing of Mafole has prompted calls for stronger measures to protect public servants, particularly those working in sensitive areas like financial oversight and auditing.
Public servants who are involved in exposing corruption or fraud, like Mafole, can often find themselves at risk due to their roles.
The murder has prompted public outcry and raised questions about the broader issue of public safety for officials in the government sector.
As the investigation into Mafole's death continues, the NPA has assured the public that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice.
The NPA has urged people with information about the case to come forward, assuring them that their information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Ntshalintshali's appearance today marks a critical step in the legal process, but the case is still in its early stages with a second trial pending in August.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Witness recounts events of the July 2021 unrest in Phoenix
Motor vehicles were set alight on Phoenix Highway during the unrest in Phoenix, north of Durban. Image: Motshwari Mofokeng/African News Agency (ANA) A State witness, who is a recovered drug addict, told the Durban High Court that during the 2021 July unrest violence in Phoenix, where black Africans were allegedly attacked by four Indian males, he witnessed the incident in his sober senses and he got a clear view of it. The State witness, whose name cannot be revealed for security reasons, had told the court earlier in his testimony that he had been on drugs for 40 years. He has pointed out Trevor Gopal, the owner of Tees Tavern in Phoenix, as the person who incited violence and ordered that the three victims, Njabulo Allen Dlamini, Nkosikhona Madlala, and Sandile Sambo, be burnt alive with their taxi. In this matter, Gopal, Ravine Naidoo, Tyreece Govender, and Timothy Govender are charged with Dlamini's murder, two counts of attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and public violence. The State is alleging that Gopal incited his security guards and members of the public to commit acts of violence against black Africans visiting Phoenix. The witness said that when the incident took place around midday on July 12, 2021, he had last taken drugs at 6am. 'When the incident took place, I was in my sober senses,' he said. During re-examination by state prosecutor advocate Thabani Buthelezi, the witness said his drug addiction had been arrested three or four years ago when he went into rehabilitation. As he was continuing to explain, Judge Mluleki Chithi interjected, stating that the addiction issue was not relevant to the court. 'Was he under the influence of drugs at the relevant time? That is the question,' he said. Judge Chithi interjected often, telling the witness to answer the questions that had been asked instead of talking about his life experiences or giving the court unnecessary answers. Additionally, the witness told the court that during the incident, he had a clear view. Buthelezi asked the witness if he knew where the person seen in a video of the incident got the cloth that was put in the petrol tank of the victim's taxi. The witness said this was done by two people and one was wearing a bulletproof vest. When the taxi did not burn as anticipated, Gopal and his brother then made attempts to burn it. 'You told us here in court that the people who burnt the taxi were accused, two (Gopal and his brother). Why did you not tell us about this?' Judge Chithi asked. The witness replied by saying he thought it was not relevant to mention this, 'because the taxi did not do what it was meant to do'. The witness said Gopal told people to stop filming at that stage, and he together with his brother approached the taxi to set it alight.
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Tshwane's R5. 3 million command centre project: A decade of broken promises
Tshwane councillors criticise R5.3 million wasted on unimplemented police command centre. Image: IOL Tshwane councillors have blasted the previous administration's failure to deliver a centralised command centre for the metro police department despite over a decade of work and a R5.3 million investment. The council has resolved to write off the asset under construction during a council meeting at Tshwane House on Thursday. ActionSA councillor Thabang Sebotsane condemned the waste of funds, saying the money allocated 13 years ago for the centralised command centre project has been squandered on unimplemented designs and discarded plans. 'These are not just numbers; they represent broken promises by those who came before us for police officers who work day and night without adequate stations, tools, and the residents who endure crime while projects gathered dust,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He said that although his political party supports the decision to write off the asset, it is not a sign of defeat, but rather a first step towards a new beginning for Tshwane and its residents. 'Every project must answer how it will serve the people of Tshwane (and) not irregular and unjustified expenditure that benefits politicians and contractors,' he said. ANC councillor Christopher Masia explained that the project aimed to establish a centralised command centre within the city. Initially included comprehensive design and planning phases, but as it progressed, the city faced significant budget constraints. 'From an accounting perspective, assets write-offs are standard practice when the future economic benefits of an asset are no longer expected to be realised,' he said. Masia stressed that the city must take corrective action regarding asset management and classification to meet internal audit requirements. 'The assets cannot be used for any other purpose due to changing technologies, and current facts are that the designs and planning represent fruitless and wasteful expenditure,' he said. DA councillor Alfred Makhafula said his party, which previously led the city's administration, understands the reasoning behind writing off the metro police department's assets categorised as designs and planning. He cited the designs were no longer viable and the project stalled due to budget constraints. 'We are of the view that it is within the purview of the municipal public account after having scrutinised the report to determine the category of this expenditure,' he said. Makhafula recommended that the R5.3m expenditure on the project be referred to the municipal public accounts committee for further investigation.
IOL News
12 hours ago
- IOL News
Constitution does not permit Ramaphosa to be undecided in Mchunu case, say MKP lawyers
The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment in the case brought by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) against President Cyril Ramaphosa over his alleged protection of under fire police minister Senzo Mchunu. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers THE Constitution does not grant President Cyril Ramaphosa the power to suspend. He can only appoint or dismiss and there is nothing in between. That was the argument advanced by lawyers representing Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe before the Constitutional Court on Wednesday. The party is challenging Ramaphosa's decision to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence and the appointment of Firoz Cachalia in an acting position. Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave after serious allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that he colluded with a criminal syndicate, accepted illicit payments, interfered in investigations and disbanded a specialised task force into political killings. The MKP wants Mchunu fired, while also contesting Cachalia's appointment as acting police minister. Central to the case are questions about the limits of presidential power, the legality of acting appointments and whether Ramaphosa acted rationally when he established a judicial commission of inquiry into serious allegations of criminal infiltration of law enforcement agencies. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Constitutional Court has reserved judgment in the case brought by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) against President Cyril Ramaphosa over his alleged protection of under fire police minister Senzo Mchunu. Image: GCIS Lawyers representing the MKP argued that Ramaphosa has no right to appoint more than one minister of police at the same time. MKP legal counsel, Mpati Qofa-Lebakeng, argued that the country's ailing economy cannot afford to have more than one minister and two acting ministers at the same time. 'We have dealt with cost implications related to three ministers of police and two deputy ministers. We are saying in the context of an economy like ours, there is no rational decision that would warrant the President having three Ministers of Police in his Cabinet. The cost implication does not limit itself only to the Minister of police's portfolio. It also goes to the second leg of costs that are occasioned by the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry. We are saying, just on that point alone, there is no way that the cost would be justifiable when the President has taken the decision which has already been alluded to," she argued. Also, arguing on behalf of the MK Party, Dali Mpofu stated that no President could appoint a minister from outside those who are already in Cabinet. "We can agree that it is wrong," Mpofu said. Anton Katz, also on behalf of the MKP argued that Chapter 5 of the Constitution grants no power to suspend, only to appoint or dismiss, saying there was nothing in between. "There is no vacancy when it comes to ministers, and for this purpose, I want to refer you to Chapter 5 of the Constitution. This part of the Constitution, its wording, content, and purpose, tells us one thing and one thing only: that there is no power to suspend. It is to appoint, dismiss, and nothing in between," he stated. Arguing for Ramaphosa, Kate Hofmeyr said that the Constitutional Court was the last court of resort, arguing that the MKP had abused the process when it approached the apex court to challenge this matter on an urgent basis. The powers to assign and appoint ministers also lie with the President, who has done right by the Constitution in this regard, she maintained. "Former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng spoke out about the monopoly of this court. This court must be concerned about taking this matter. The President has both the powers and an obligation, and he has the right to exercise these powers subject to the strictures of the law," she argued. Advocate Griffiths Madonsela, arguing for Mchunu, said his client was 'ambushed' by Mkhwanazi's accusations. He said the MKP's response to these allegations was to 'draw their spears' and to 'crucify him'. Judgment was reserved. Cape Times
