The family of Mpho Mafole, a senior auditor at the Ekurhuleni municipality, are grappling with grief and unanswered questions following his tragic assassination on Monday night. Mafole, who served as the city’s group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits, was fatally shot while driving along the R23 in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, on his way home from a meeting in Alberton.
The Gauteng police spokeswoman, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said Mafole was driving along the R23 in Kempton Park when he was killed by unknown suspects.
"Cops found Mpho lying in his car with gunshot wounds. The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and police investigations continue,” said Nevhuhulwi.
City officials confirmed Mafole’s death, saying they were also unaware of the motive.
“The South African Police Service is leading the investigation, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the event,” said City spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe.
“The City does not wish to speculate or risk prejudicing the ongoing investigation by law enforcement.”
When News24 asked whether the City believed Mafole’s murder was linked to his work at the forensics division, Mbengashe said: "At present, there is no official information suggesting a direct link between Mr Mafole’s professional duties and the incident. We remain guided by the police investigation and will continue to support their work fully."
“As a matter of policy, and due to the sensitive nature of audit and forensic investigations, the City is unable to provide detailed information about specific accounts or cases Mr Mafole was handling.”
He said should police investigations establish any connection between Mafole’s work and the murder, the City would support the investigative processes.
Mafole joined the municipality in April after spending several years at the Auditor-General South Africa.
Family spokesperson Tebogo Mphuthi said the family was desperate for answers. “We don't know where to start or who to ask for answers. We were shocked that anyone could want to harm him.
“Yesterday [Monday] we [as family] were praying, saying whoever did this, may it come back to them. You took our Mpho, our joy and pride. It was painful [to see his body at the scene]. It hurts because we grew up and played together, and now seeing him lying like that does not make sense.”
Police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said officers found Mafole lying in his car with gunshot wounds at about 5.55pm. “The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and police investigations continue,” she said.
Mphuthi said Mafole was loving, caring and very supportive. “He was peace-loving and everything about him excelled.”
Mphuthi said when Mafole joined the city, he was excited and never complained. “He would say it was challenging but he was happy, and looking forward to the challenge. The only thing he wanted was to grow in his career.”
In an internal letter to staff, the city’s head of communications Phakamile Mbengashe vowed the municipality would do “everything within its power to assist” in the ongoing investigation.” We are engaging with the relevant authorities and will provide further updates as soon as new information becomes available.”
Acting Southern African Institute of Government Auditors CEO Sello Malatsi said they were saddened to hear of Mafole's killing. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. His contribution to the profession will be greatly remembered,” he said.
The City of Ekurhuleni has expressed its shock and sadness at Mafole's tragic death.
Ekurhuleni head of communication, Phakamile Mbengeshe said they are shocked and saddened by Mafole's tragic death.
He said the motive for Mafole's death is unknown.
"Cops are actively investigating the matter and the city is cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
"We urge anyone who might have information that could help the investigation to come forward and contact the authorities," said Mbengeshe.
He said the safety and well-being of their employees remains their priority.
"The city has robust security measures in place at all its facilities and continues to monitor the situation closely. Support and counselling services are being made available to all staff members affected by this tragic loss.
"On behalf of the entire leadership of the City of Ekurhuleni, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mafole’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. We ask that the privacy of the family be respected as they come to terms with their loss," said Mbengeshe.
The incident follows gun attacks on other City officials, and the municipality says it is prioritising safety for those in high-risk roles.
The municipality has witnessed shootings involving other officials who held key positions in finance.
In September 2023, chief financial officer Kagiso Lerutla survived a shooting after allegedly being ambushed by unknown gunmen while driving his car in Primrose, Germiston.
Three months later, Simnikiwe Mapini, an adjudicator in the City of Ekurhuleni’s finance department, was shot and killed in a hail of bullets near Rand Airport in Germiston while travelling with a colleague.
Mbengashe said the City takes the safety and security of all employees very seriously, particularly those in high-risk or sensitive roles.
He said: "The City has processes in place to assess and address security risks as they arise, and we continuously review these measures in consultation with law enforcement and other relevant authorities."
“The City regularly reviews and updates its security protocols, including conducting risk assessments for officials whose positions may expose them to higher levels of risk. We remain committed to providing a safe working environment for all employees and continue to work with law enforcement to mitigate any identified risks.”
The South African Institute of Government Auditors described Mafole as a dedicated public servant whose commitment to excellence left a lasting impact in the community of auditors.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Follow Us on Twitter
