The murder of City of Ekurhuleni audit manager Mpho Mafole has raised urgent concerns about the safety of auditors and whistleblowers tasked with exposing corruption in South Africa.
Dr. Uglješa Radulović, a senior postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg, described the killing as an apparent “assassination”, drawing parallels to previous cases like the murder of Babita Deokaran, a whistleblower in the Tembisa Hospital PPE scandal.
A Pattern of Targeted Attacks
Speaking in an interview, Radulović highlighted the alarming trend of professionals in financial oversight roles being silenced.
“The first thought that comes to mind is a repetition of the Babita Deokaran case,” he said. “What sort of proximity do these wrongdoers have with the criminal underworld? How do they contact and hire assassins?”
Mafole’s killing follows a disturbing pattern where auditors and investigators face retaliation—including death—for uncovering corruption. Radulović noted that while South Africa’s Protected Disclosures Act (2000) offers some safeguards for whistleblowers, it lacks penalties for retaliation, leaving them vulnerable.
Weak Legislation, Few Protections
Despite amendments in 2017, the law remains flawed, failing to fully protect whistleblowers in both public and private sectors. Radulović pointed out that while the act prohibits retaliation, it does not impose consequences on those who threaten or harm whistleblowers.
“We’ve seen very public whistleblowers who haven’t been kept safe,” he said, referencing witnesses from the Zondo Commission who faced intimidation.
Auditors Under Fire
The dangers extend beyond whistleblowers to auditors—officials legally mandated to ensure financial accountability. Radulović cited instances where auditors from the Auditor-General’s office required armed protection after uncovering fraud.
“The idea that auditors need bodyguards is terrifying,” he said.
Criminal Networks Remain Untouched
The discussion also turned to systemic corruption networks siphoning public funds—particularly in local governments. Radulović stressed that while “trigger-pullers” are sometimes arrested, the masterminds behind these killings often evade justice.
“Money was still being stolen from Tembisa Hospital long after Babita’s murder,” he noted. “We still don’t know who ordered her killing.”
Hawks Understaffed, Investigations Stalled
Compounding the crisis, South Africa’s Hawks—the elite police unit tackling corruption—are reportedly operating at 50% capacity, according to former head Godfrey Lebeya.
“How can we claim to fight corruption when half the posts are vacant?” Radulović questioned.
Calls for Stronger Safeguards
Experts are urging reforms, including:
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Stronger penalties for retaliation against whistleblowers.
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A dedicated anti-corruption agency to coordinate investigations.
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Better protection mechanisms for auditors and investigators.
As authorities probe Mafole’s murder, fears grow that without urgent action, more financial watchdogs could face the same fate.
“If you saw what happened to Babita, would you blow the whistle?” Radulović asked. “I don’t know if I’d be brave enough.”
For now, the question remains: Who will hold the corrupt accountable—when those who try are being killed?
