Ekurhuleni Mayor Heads to Court in Bid to Stop News24 Reporting on Mpho Mafole Murder Probe
Viable News Team 
The Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, has approached the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg asking for an order to halt reporting by News24 on its ongoing investigation into the death of Mpho Mafole the city’s former chief auditor who was fatally shot in 2025.
The case, which was scheduled in court on 10 March 2026, reflects growing tension between local government leadership and independent journalism as investigative media probe corruption, alleged public finance irregularities, and the circumstances around Mafole’s killing.
What the Court Application Is About
Mayor Xhakaza’s legal move seeks a court order that would effectively restrain News24 from publishing further content related to its investigation into Mafole’s death. The notice presented to the High Court argues that certain reporting could be prejudicial or defamatory claims that News24 reporters and press freedom advocates dispute.
Journalist groups including the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) and international media freedom organisations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have monitored the situation, warning that gag orders could undermine press freedom unless narrowly justified.
Background: Who Was Mpho Mafole?
Mpho Mafole was the Group Divisional Head of Corporate and Forensic Audits for the City of Ekurhuleni at the time of his death. He was gunned down in a targeted killing in June 2025 while conducting audits and raising concerns over alleged irregularities in municipality tenders and financial management.
At the time, Mafole was investigating potential irregular expenditure, including a R1.8 billion chemical toilets contract, which had been flagged for serious probity concerns. An investigation by News24 suggests that entities connected to the contract remain politically and economically influential.
Public and Parliamentary Reaction
Earlier in 2025, South Africa’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Appropriations condemned the targeted killing of anti‑corruption officials, citing Mafole’s murder as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by public servants who expose wrongdoing. The committee emphasised that such attacks undermine public confidence and called for stronger protections for officials and whistleblowers.
Why This Matters for Press Freedom
Legal experts and press advocacy groups view the mayor’s attempt to secure a gag order as part of a broader debate over media freedom and accountability in South Africa. While public figures can pursue defamation action where appropriate, courts traditionally balance such applications against the constitutional protection of free expression and the public’s right to information.
According to media freedom groups, journalists reporting on corruption and governance issues especially in local government — play a vital role in transparency and democratic oversight. Unlawful or broad restraints on reporting could set a precedent limiting investigative journalism.
The Ongoing Investigation
The circumstances around Mafole’s murder remain under investigation by law enforcement. Earlier reports indicated that at least one suspect was arrested in connection with the killing, and police had active warrants for others. Courts and police have confirmed ongoing judicial processes linked to this matter.
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