Shocking twist: Man arrested for killing auditor Mpho Mafole was on bail for another case
Image: Facebook
A 40-year-old man, Thabang Ntshalintshali, was remanded in custody on Wednesday when he appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court in connection with the murder of Mpho Mafole, the group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits at the City of Ekurhuleni.
The packed court heard that Ntshalintshali committed the heinous crime while on bail for another murder case dating back to 2023.
"Your case is postponed until the 15th of August. It is a provisional date. The accused is in custody, no bail," the magistrate told Ntshalintshali.
IOL previously reported that Mafole, 47, was found in a pool of blood after his vehicle was sprayed with bullets on the R23 in Kempton Park on June 30.
At the time, sources insisted Mafole's death was a hit, linked to his investigation into a massive R2 billion electricity scandal he was close to uncovering.
On Tuesday, Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the provincial serious and violent crime detectives had arrested a 40-year-old man.
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'On (Sunday) 20 July 2025, the team arrested a 40-year-old man who is expected to appear before Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on 23 July 2025,' she said.
Detectives are also looking for a second suspect, identified as Hlanganani Agripper Mncwango, after a warrant of arrest was issued for him by the court.
'The police urge Mncwango to hand himself over to the nearest police station, or anyone who may have information about his whereabouts to contact the Crime Stop line at 08600 10111, or anonymously give tip-offs on My SAPS App which can be downloaded on any smartphone,' said Nevhuhulwi.
Earlier this month, IOL reported that Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza described the brutally murdered Mafole as a dedicated public servant, a fearless champion for accountability, and a staunch advocate for ethical governance.
Police in Gauteng are investigating the motive behind the murder, but activists and social media users suggest the cold-blooded murder could have been an assassination meant to silence him, linked to his work for the City of Ekurhuleni.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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