By Johnathan Paoli
City of Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has hit back strongly at what he describes as “defamatory” media reporting linking him to the murder of popular DJ Bongani Mfihlo, saying the allegations amount to speculation that undermines due process and his leadership.
In a statement, Xhakaza said he had noted with “deep concern” a series of articles published by News24 that allege he was present at the Kempton Park nightclub where Mfihlo was shot and killed in September 2023, and that he later abused his authority to influence the police investigation.
The mayor rejected these claims, saying they were unsubstantiated and part of an effort to tarnish his reputation.
“The Executive Mayor views this report not as a pursuit of truth, but as the latest unsubstantiated attempt to delegitimise his leadership authority,” the statement said.
While affirming his respect for media freedom and freedom of expression, Xhakaza urged journalists to uphold standards of accuracy, fairness and integrity, warning against what he termed a “trial by media” while legal processes were still under way.
The mayor stressed that he respected the independence of the South African Police Service and reiterated calls for justice to be served “without fear, favour or prejudice”.
He also emphasised that he had consistently escalated incidents of violence against public representatives and municipal officials to senior government and law-enforcement authorities, and had repeatedly called for justice for former Ekurhuleni chief auditor Mpho Mafole, who was murdered in June 2025, as well as for all victims of violent crime in the metro.
Xhakaza’s response follows reporting alleging that he spent time with Mfihlo on the night the DJ was killed and was present at the scene when two private security guards opened fire inside a Kempton Park nightclub, firing at least 14 shots.
The guards later claimed they acted in self-defence and were arrested in connection with the killing.
According to reports, Xhakaza’s alleged presence at the scene only emerged nearly two years after the murder, amid a broader probe into serious investigative failures by local police.
At the time of Mfihlo’s death, Xhakaza was serving as the MMC for shared and corporate services, with oversight of risk and legal affairs, and it has been alleged that he concealed his presence at the crime scene from prosecutors.
Reports also linked the Mfihlo case to the murder of Mafole, who was shot dead days after submitting a report into alleged irregularities in a R1.8-billion municipal chemical toilets tender.
The two cases were joined by the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in July last year, after the Mafole investigation was taken over by the SAPS Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, which flagged what it described as serious shortcomings in the initial handling of the Mfihlo matter.
Police allegedly failed to secure CCTV footage from the nightclub despite the venue being equipped with cameras, did not take statements from eyewitnesses, and arrived at the scene hours after the shooting, despite the police station being nearby.
Prosecutors were informed that the only identified witness declined to testify due to safety concerns.
In his statement, Xhakaza said that given the seriousness of the allegations, he was consulting his legal representatives and was considering “all available legal remedies”, including possible civil action for defamation against those responsible for the claims.
He also revealed that his office had formally invited News24 journalists to engage directly and seek clarification on any issues arising from his reporting.
“To date, this invitation has not been taken up. The invitation remains open,” the statement said, adding that this demonstrated the mayor’s commitment to transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
The allegations have intensified public scrutiny of Xhakaza, who was mayor when Mafole was killed and an MMC at the time of Mfihlo’s death.
While investigations continue, the mayor has not been charged with any offence, and maintains that the matter should be allowed to run its course through proper legal channels, free from speculation and political point-scoring, as pressure mounts for clarity around two of Ekurhuleni’s most high-profile killings.
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