Ekurhuleni mayor faces scrutiny over alleged links to auditor's murder

Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza is facing intense scrutiny amid reports linking him to the 2023 shooting of DJ Bongani Mfito and the June 2025 murder of City auditor Mpho Mafole.

The allegations have prompted political parties to call on the Gauteng Serious Crimes Unit to launch an urgent and thorough investigation into Mfito’s shooting. Xhakaza has rejected the claims as baseless, dismissing them as a coordinated attempt to tarnish his leadership.

Media reports allege a possible link between the incidents and Xhakaza, stating that a suspect apprehended in relation to the 2023 shooting of Mfito was also an accomplice in the June 2025 murder of Mafole, who was killed just days after submitting a forensic report that highlighted alleged irregularities in a R1.8 billion chemical toilet tender awarded by the municipality.

Brandon Pretorius, DA Caucus Leader in Ekurhuleni, called on the Gauteng Serious Crimes Unit to launch an urgent investigation and said the party had submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) request to obtain Mafole’s report but had been blocked by the mayor’s office.

“These latest revelations, combined with testimonies at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, show that Ekurhuleni remains an active crime scene. The fact that its first citizen is embroiled in multiple scandals should concern every resident,” Pretorius said.

He added that the DA would continue to push for the release of Mafole’s report while monitoring the investigation into Mfito’s shooting.

“Any less would be a disservice to their memories and a slap in the face to law-abiding citizens who expect elected officials to uphold, not break, the law,” he said.

Previously, ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, said the alleged irregularities in the R1.8 billion chemical toilet tender and the vast sums of public money involved made an urgent investigation unavoidable. 

He warned that further delays in presenting the reports could undermine transparency and accountability, suggesting a possible cover-up and entrenched maladministration.

“Anti-corruption rhetoric alone is meaningless without decisive action. ActionSA will use every legislative avenue to ensure reports are tabled and wrongdoing confronted without fear or delay,” Khumalo said.

In response to the allegations, Xhakaza said his administration was dealing with deep-rooted challenges.

“There’s a lot of rot in the system, and pushback comes in many forms. Legal processes are being studied, and the police are handling all criminal matters. Coordinated media attacks are attempting to distort the narrative, but we will respond appropriately through legal channels,” he said.

Acting mayoral spokesperson Ramatolo Tlotleng said Xhakaza viewed recent media reports, particularly those by News24 on January 19, as “unsubstantiated attempts to tarnish his reputation and delegitimise his leadership authority.”

Tlotleng emphasised that while the mayor supports freedom of expression, he urges the media to adhere to the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and integrity.

“The Executive Mayor has consistently called for justice for the late Mpho Mafole and for all victims of violent crime in the municipality. He continues to respect the authority of the South African Police Service and is consulting with legal representatives to explore all available remedies, including civil action for defamation,” Tlotleng said.

The mayor’s office has also formally invited News24 journalist Sikhonathi Mantshantsha to engage with the mayor’s office for clarification on any reporting issues, an invitation that remains open.

Xhakaza’s office maintains that criminal matters must run their course without interference and that the municipality is committed to upholding the rule of law, transparency, and accountability.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za