Ekurhuleni Mayor warns of an exodus of professionals from the public sector
Xhakaza was speaking at the funeral service of the metro's former head of forensic auditor, Mpho Mafole held in Kempton Park on Sunday.
Mafole was fatally shot by unknown gunmen a week ago while on his way back home from work.
Mafole was working on an investigation into the 'mysterious' disappearance of R2 billion from the city's revenue when he was gunned down.
READ: Friends and family bid farewell to slain Ekurhuleni municipality auditor Mpho Mafole
While the motive for Mafole's death is still unknown, links have already been drawn between him and other past government employees who have been assassinated for blowing the whistle on corruption.
Xhakaza said that Mafole had made progress on the probe into the missing two billion rand case and had even submitted a charge sheet prior to his death.
He said that if his death is in vain, it will send a troubling message to government employees.
"If we don't pull up and enforce the law and ensure there is consequences, I can tell you we will lose some of these professionals. They will want to leave the public service and it will mean the public trust will be eroded.'
Xhakaza said that the municipality is cooperating fully with the police investigations.
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