Family of slain City of Ekurhuleni auditor say they were aware he was probing corruption in municipality

JOHANNESBURG - The family of a slain senior auditor in the City of Ekurhuleni said they were aware that he had been investigating municipal corruption prior to his death.

Mpho Mafole was shot on the R23 highway in Ekurhuleni on Monday while returning home from a work-related meeting.

Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza told Eyewitness News on Thursday that Mafole’s murder was linked to his investigation into the disappearance of R2 billion.

Xhakaza visited the Mafole family in Kempton Park on Thursday afternoon.

It’s at this time of the day that Mafole’s two teenage kids would be opening the gate for him as he returns from work.

Instead, 14-year-old Gontse and 16-year-old Kgaugelo are having to imagine a life without their father they so dearly cherished.

The siblings couldn’t hold back their tears as their aunt, Nomasonto Khasane, confirmed their father’s murder was linked to a corruption probe.

"We knew Mpho was working on something big. He was getting close to exposing corruption in the municipality. The people who killed him knew what they were doing, they are clearly experts."

Mafole had been employed by the City of Ekurhuleni for just three months before he was murdered.