Murdered Auditor’s Report Sheds Light on Ekurhuleni’s R1.8bn Toilet Tender Scandal

A R1.8 billion chemical toilet tender in the City of Ekurhuleni has come under fire following the shocking murder of the municipality’s forensic audit head, Mpho Mafole. His death, just days after submitting a report detailing suspected irregularities, has reignited public outrage over corruption in local government.

A Tender That Raised Red Flags

The tender was meant to supply chemical toilets to informal settlements across the metroan essential service for communities without access to proper sanitation. However, questions soon arose about how the contracts were awarded and who benefited.

According to reports, Mafole’s team had flagged discrepancies in the selection process involving 15 companies, prompting suspicions of large-scale graft. He was shot dead in June while driving on the R23 near Esselen Park, days after submitting his audit findings to city officials.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has since demanded that the full report be tabled at the upcoming council meeting, arguing that transparency is the only way to honour Mafole’s legacy.

DA Calls for Transparency and Justice

DA caucus leader Brandon Pretorius said that keeping the report under wraps would undermine the late auditor’s work and public trust in the city’s governance.

“The mayor must ensure that the report is made public. Anything less would be a disservice to Mafole’s memory and to the residents we serve,” Pretorius said.

The party has also approached the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe both Mafole’s murder and the alleged corruption linked to the toilet tender. “Bringing this report before council is the first step toward rooting out criminal syndicates that have operated with impunity in the city,” Pretorius added.

A City Mired in Financial Scandals

This isn’t the first time Ekurhuleni’s finances have come under scrutiny. Earlier in 2025, reports revealed that R2 billion had gone unaccounted for due to mismanagement and billing system errors.

Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the city has since launched a turnaround plan focused on “integrity, accountability, and recovery,” but opposition parties and residents remain sceptical.

The Fight Against Corruption and Fear

The DA has reiterated the need for stronger protections for whistleblowers and municipal staff who expose corruption. “We must ensure that professionals like Mafole can do their work without fear or favour,” said Pretorius.

The tragedy has sparked calls for a renewed national focus on safeguarding auditors and investigatorsespecially in municipalities where billions in public funds are at stake.

{Source:The Citizen}

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