03-07-2025
Xhakaza believes murder of City of Ekurhuleni auditor linked to his probe into missing R2bn
Alpha Ramushwana 3 July 2025 | 11:59 City of Ekurhuleni
Doctor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza
FILE: City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza. Picture: Supplied/City of Ekurhuleni
"It's one thing to prepare a charge sheet for suspended officials and once you submit it, something happens. We don't want to draw up linkages, but if you are involved in this type of work and you get shot, it can't be random thing," said Xhakaza.
He added that it was difficult meeting the family without being able to divulge who they believe was responsible for Mafole's murder.
"It's painful to stand before the family and not give them the names of those who are responsible," he said.
Mafole's family is still struggling to come to terms with his violent death. However, they believe it was directly tied to his investigation into municipal corruption.
A relative, Nomasonto Khasake, said Mafole had shared with them that he was making progress in uncovering serious corruption.
"We knew Mpho was working on something big. He was getting close to exposing corruption in the municipality," she said.
"The people who killed him knew what they were doing, they are clearly experts," she added.
She also revealed that Mafole had been returning home from a work-related meeting when he was shot near his home in Kempton Park.
"The people who killed him phoned him while he was driving. When he answered the phone, he was shot multiple times. His phone was left with bullet holes," she said.
Mafole is survived by two teenage children - Gontse (14) and Kgaugelo (16).
The siblings were overcome with emotion as their aunt recounted the horrifying details of their father's murder.
Gontse broke down in tears, and a relative quickly stepped in to comfort her.
While police are still investigating, the city is now calling for the Hawks to take over the case.
