Case Against Thabani Ntshali-Ntshali in Mpho Mafole Murder Postponed to 15 August for Bail Application
By Neo Mofokeng
Cape Town – The case against the man accused of the murder of Ekurhuleni chief auditor Mpho Mafole has been postponed to 15 August for a formal bail application. Thabani Ntshali-Ntshali appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where it emerged that the 40-year-old was out on bail for a separate murder charge. Mafole was gunned down last month while on his way home in Kempton Park, amid his probe into a R2 billion revenue shortfall at the municipality. Police continue to hunt for a second suspect, Hlanganani Mncwango, linked to the killing, while the accused remains in custody.
Court Proceedings and Revelations
Thabani Goodwill Ntshali-Ntshali, aged 40, made a brief appearance in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, facing charges of murder in connection with the death of Mpho Mafole. The state prosecutor requested a postponement to allow for further investigations and to prepare for a formal bail hearing. The magistrate granted the request, setting the next date for 16 August 2025. Ntshali-Ntshali was remanded in custody until then, with the court noting that the prosecution intends to oppose bail due to the seriousness of the charges and his prior legal troubles.
During the hearing, it came to light that Ntshali-Ntshali was already out on R5 000 bail for a separate murder case dating back to September 2024, also being heard at the same court. This revelation has raised questions about bail conditions and monitoring in serious crimes. The accused did not enter a plea at this stage, and the courtroom was packed with family members of the victim, media, and community members seeking justice for Mafole. The magistrate warned against any interference in the ongoing probe, emphasising the need for a fair process.
Details of the Murder Incident
Mpho Mafole, 47, was fatally shot on 30 June 2025, while driving home along the R23 highway near Esselen Park in Kempton Park. Police arrived at the scene around 5:55 pm to find him slumped in his car with multiple gunshot wounds. The attack appeared targeted, with assailants firing a hail of bullets into his vehicle before fleeing. Mafole, who had joined the City of Ekurhuleni as group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits just three months earlier in April 2025, was pronounced dead at the scene. He had previously worked at the Auditor-General South Africa, bringing expertise in uncovering financial irregularities.
The murder sent shockwaves through the community, with family spokesperson Tebogo Mphuthi describing Mafole as a loving, caring, and peace-loving person who excelled in his career. “We don’t know where to start or who to ask for answers. We were shocked that anyone could want to harm him,” Mphuthi said. Emotions ran high at Mafole’s funeral on 6 July 2025, where friends and family gathered to pay their respects, playing voice notes that highlighted his dedication and warmth. His uncle called on Mafole’s spirit to fight for justice, reflecting the family’s deep pain and determination.
Link to Corruption Investigation
At the time of his death, Mafole was leading a probe into a mysterious R2 billion revenue shortfall from the municipality’s electricity accounts. This shortfall, tied to irregularities in billing and possible involvement of a criminal syndicate within the metro, had been flagged as a major concern. Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza suggested the murder was connected to this investigation, stating that Mafole had submitted an interim report on potential causes. “The missing R2 billion from Ekurhuleni’s coffers is now being put forward as a possible motive,” Xhakaza noted, hinting at links to ballooning infrastructure costs and systemic corruption.
The City of Ekurhuleni welcomed the arrest, with head of communications Phakamile Mbengashe vowing full cooperation with authorities. In response to the killing, the municipality conducted a threat assessment on all audit staff to enhance safety measures. Parliament’s cooperative governance and traditional affairs portfolio committee condemned the act, with chair Dr Zweli Mkhize calling it a cowardly attempt to hinder anti-corruption efforts. “This not only threatens the lives of dedicated public servants but also seeks to intimidate and hinder efforts to build clean and accountable governance,” Mkhize said.
Arrests and Ongoing Search for Second Suspect
Ntshali-Ntshali was arrested on Sunday, 20 July 2025, by detectives from the Gauteng Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit, marking a breakthrough in the case. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the arrest, urging the public to assist in locating the second suspect, Hlanganani Agripper Mncwango, for whom a warrant has been issued. “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,” Nevhuhulwi said. Images of Mncwango have circulated widely on social media, with calls for his swift capture to ensure justice.
The motive remains under investigation, but sources close to the probe suggest it could be an assassination to silence Mafole amid his uncovering of the electricity scandal. Activists and social media users have echoed this, comparing it to other high-profile cases like that of Babita Deokaran, who was killed while exposing graft in health procurement.
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