Martha Mani Rantsofu, an accountant in the finance department of Emfuleni Local Municipality, was shot and killed on March 30, 2026, while waiting for her vehicle at a tyre-fitting shop in Vanderbijlpark. Reports indicate that she was approached from behind and shot multiple times, with CCTV footage capturing the incident.
Rantsofu, 39, had previously expressed fears for her safety to her family, raising concerns about tender irregularities within the municipality. Her sister, Lerato Rantsofu, stated, “She opened a case that was taken to the Hawks, and the other one was she opened a case for intimidation.” This context has led to mounting calls for stronger protection of whistleblowers following her tragic death.
The Political Killings Task Team is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Rantsofu’s murder, which occurred near the Vanderbijlpark Police Station. Despite the ongoing investigation, the motive for her murder remains officially unknown, with no arrests made as of the latest reports.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the connection between Rantsofu’s death and other killings of municipal employees. Rantsofu’s case has been linked to a broader issue of political killings and corruption within the municipality, which has faced administrative challenges in the past.
In the aftermath of her murder, Rantsofu’s funeral took place shortly after her death, drawing attention to the risks faced by individuals who expose corruption. The community and observers are awaiting further developments in the investigation, as the exact motive behind her murder continues to elude authorities.
