Municipal whistleblower killed for exposing R16 million procurement fraud

Martha Mani Rantsofu, who worked for the Emfuleni Municipality, was assassinated after she exposed R16 million fleet procurement fraud.

Rantsofu was an acting accountant at Emfuleni Local Municipality, working within the finance department.

She raised concerns about financial irregularities and a suspected multimillion-rand bribery scheme within the municipality.

On 30 March 2026, she was shot and killed for exposing corruption. The Political Killings Task Team is now investigating the case.

“Her killing, carried out in a targeted daylight attack, has raised serious concerns about the risks faced by officials working in financially sensitive roles,” OUTA said.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) also condemned Rantsofu’s killing, adding that it was linked to a corrupt municipal scheme.

“Rantsofu had uncovered a corrupt scheme where workers were wiping off household and company municipal account balances in exchange for bribes,” it said.

“In some cases, business accounts were overbilled so the culprits could solicit more bribes from the business owners.”

Rantsofu also reportedly noted that some vehicles were missing from a newly acquired Emfuleni Municipality fleet.

“She had opened a case of corruption with the Hawks against her colleagues, who were implicated in the scheme she uncovered,” COSATU said.

“It is clear that the individuals siphoning off money from the municipality are willing and ready to kill anyone who stands in their way.”

COSATU called on law enforcement agencies to find the individuals responsible for the murder, and arrest, prosecute and sentence them to the maximum period.

“Their assets should also be seized and sold to recover the monies stolen from the municipality,” the union added.

Court proceedings confirm that Rantsofu was killed for exposing corruption

On Tuesday, 21 July 2026, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said that court proceedings confirmed that Rantsofu was a whistleblower.

“Rantsofu was one of the whistleblowers whose actions led to the arrest of those involved in the R16 million fleet procurement fraud in Emfuleni,” it said.

Shortly after her murder, it was reported that the slain whistleblower lifted the lid on the fraud and corruption involved in this R16 million tender fraud case.

“However, Emfuleni Municipality went to great lengths to deny that she had reported this matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS),” the DA said.

“Their motivation for attempting to cover up the truth remains questionable. It is our view that this was a deliberate effort to protect political leadership in Emfuleni.”

The Municipal Assistant Manager in charge of Fleet Procurement was suspended two months ago in relation to the same tender fraud.

“We demand disciplinary measures to be taken against him, including but not limited to his firing and subsequent arrest, as he is implicated in tender fraud,” the DA said.

“A thorough investigation must be conducted into the roles played by the main service provider, municipal officials, and politicians in this crime.”