A major corruption investigation into an alleged R16 million vehicle procurement scandal at the Emfuleni Local Municipality has taken a significant turn after police confirmed that slain municipal accountant Martha Mani Rantsofu was the original whistleblower who reported the alleged irregularities before her murder.
- Whistleblower reported alleged procurement irregularities before she was murdered
- Former fleet manager appears in court
- Missing municipal vehicles remain under investigation
- Forensic audit identified alleged procurement failures
- Municipality allegedly suffered losses exceeding R16 million
- Calls for broader accountability
- Whistleblower protection under renewed scrutiny
The confirmation strengthens the connection between Rantsofu’s anti-corruption complaints and the ongoing criminal investigation, which has already resulted in the arrest of a former municipal official and is expected to widen as investigators examine the municipality’s procurement processes.
Authorities say the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) is continuing to investigate both the alleged tender fraud and the circumstances surrounding Rantsofu’s killing.
Whistleblower reported alleged procurement irregularities before she was murdered
According to Gauteng police, Rantsofu lodged several complaints with law enforcement during March 2026, including allegations relating to the municipality’s controversial vehicle procurement project.
Only weeks later, the 39-year-old municipal accountant was shot and killed in broad daylight at a tyre fitment centre in Vanderbijlpark.
Closed-circuit television footage reportedly captured an armed suspect approaching Rantsofu from behind before opening fire and fleeing the scene.
Police have not publicly linked the murder directly to the procurement investigation, but investigators are examining all relevant evidence as part of the broader inquiry.
Former fleet manager appears in court
Former Emfuleni fleet manager Lerato Mpholo appeared briefly before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court following his arrest by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team.
The 42-year-old faces charges including:
- Fraud
- Corruption
- Theft
The matter has been postponed to allow for a formal bail application.
Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk confirmed that investigators pursued the complaints initially reported by Rantsofu and, through what police described as detailed investigative work, linked the former fleet manager to the alleged procurement fraud.
Missing municipal vehicles remain under investigation
Investigators have also confirmed progress in tracing vehicles purchased under the disputed tender.
According to police, four of the missing municipal vehicles have been located.
However, those vehicles are reportedly registered to other entities rather than the municipality.
Authorities are still attempting to determine the whereabouts of the remaining vehicles that formed part of the procurement contract.
The recovery effort remains an active component of the ongoing criminal investigation.
Forensic audit identified alleged procurement failures
A forensic audit completed earlier this year reportedly identified significant weaknesses and alleged irregularities in the procurement process.
According to the findings, investigators allege that:
- Supply chain management procedures were bypassed.
- Procurement processes were improperly influenced.
- Municipal officials allegedly colluded with suppliers.
- Delivery documentation was signed despite vehicles allegedly not being received.
The report indicates that invoices reflected all 18 municipal vehicles as having been delivered.
However, investigators allege that only seven trucks were actually received by the municipality.
The remaining vehicles are now central to the criminal investigation.
The audit also alleges that an official signed documentation confirming delivery of the full fleet despite several vehicles allegedly never arriving.
That official has since been suspended.
Municipality allegedly suffered losses exceeding R16 million
According to the forensic investigation, the municipality may have suffered losses exceeding R16 million.
The alleged financial losses include:
- Payments for vehicles that were reportedly never delivered.
- Allegedly inflated pricing for heavy machinery.
- Warranty costs for equipment that reportedly failed shortly after delivery.
These findings now form part of the broader criminal investigation being conducted by law enforcement authorities.
As the case remains before the courts, the allegations have not yet been tested through criminal proceedings.
Calls for broader accountability
The Democratic Alliance’s Emfuleni mayoral candidate, Kingsol Chabalala, has called for the investigation to extend beyond individual officials.
He urged investigators to examine the possible involvement of:
- Municipal officials.
- Political office-bearers.
- Service providers involved in the procurement process.
Chabalala also questioned earlier statements by the municipality distancing itself from Rantsofu’s corruption disclosures, arguing that all relevant evidence should be fully examined.
Whistleblower protection under renewed scrutiny
The case has once again highlighted concerns surrounding the safety of whistleblowers in South Africa.
Individuals who report suspected corruption frequently face significant personal risks, prompting repeated calls from civil society organisations for stronger legal protections and more effective support mechanisms.
While investigators continue gathering evidence in both the alleged procurement fraud and murder investigations, the outcome is likely to be closely watched as a test of the state’s ability to hold public officials accountable and protect those who expose suspected corruption.
For now, police say the investigation remains active, with further arrests or charges possible should additional evidence emerge.
