A tragic and shocking incident has taken the city of Ekurhuleni by surprise as senior auditor Mpho Mafole was shot and killed while driving along the R23 highway near Kempton Park. Mafole, who led the City of Ekurhuleni’s corporate and forensic audits unit, was found slumped over the steering wheel of his car with fatal gunshot wounds at approximately 5.55 pm on Monday, 30 June 2025. Police confirmed the identity of the victim and said no arrests have been made as yet, with the motive behind the killing still unknown—though a murder investigation is ongoing.
Mafole had only been in his role for about three months, having joined the municipality from the Auditor‑General of South Africa where he served for 14 years . His work included leading efforts to uncover corruption and improper conduct in the city’s finances. Before his appointment with Ekurhuleni, he was Investigations Manager at the Auditor‑General’s office . Colleagues at the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors described him as dedicated, committed and fearless.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi told reporters that Mafole was driving on the R23 near Esselen Park when unknown suspects opened fire. He was discovered dead in his vehicle, and the SAPS immediately launched a murder investigation. No items were stolen, and authorities said it is too early to say whether the attack was linked to his professional work .
City spokesperson Phakamile Mbengashe released an internal letter to staff, assuring cooperation with the police and offering support to those affected. “We are engaging with the relevant authorities and will provide further updates as soon as new information becomes available,” he said, and added that additional security measures and emotional help have been made available .
Members of Mafole’s family and friends have expressed deep shock and grief. Many fear the killing may be connected to his high‑profile investigations into fraud and corruption in municipal finances—matters that often shake powerful interests. At least one colleague described it as “an assassination” given the lack of any theft or robbery .
As the City of Ekurhuleni mourns the loss of one of its most experienced forensic auditors, concerns are growing about the safety of public servants who take on corruption. Comparisons have been drawn to the 2014 killing of Lawrence Moepi, a forensic services director at a major accounting firm, which was widely believed to have been a targeted hit .
Now, many eyes are on law enforcement to swiftly trace the gunmen and uncover who gave the orders. The city has stated it will assist the South African Police Service in every way possible, while urging witnesses to come forward with any information .
This killing has not only robbed the municipality of a skilled and principled leader but also shaken confidence in the safety of public sector investigators. The impact extends beyond Ekurhuleni, touching broader debates about protecting whistle‑blowers and anti‑corruption officials nationwide.
For now, the motive remains unclear. Investigators are examining all possibilities—personal, professional or criminal. The police have cordoned off the crime scene and are poring over CCTV footage, forensics and any leads from local motorists who were nearby at the time.
As the investigation deepens, the City of Ekurhuleni continues to stress that no stone will be left unturned. Mpho Mafole’s funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. His sudden and violent death leaves a community in pain and raises urgent questions about what dangers lie in the path of those who work to expose wrongdoing.
