The family of the murdered municipal accountant said they hope ongoing fraud investigations linked to cases she exposed will eventually reveal who ordered her killing. Martha Rantsofu’s relatives attended proceedings at the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (23/7).

Janitha van Reenen, 25, appeared on charges of allegedly defrauding the Emfuleni municipality of more than R400,000. The case was postponed to Thursday (13/8) for further investigation.

Van Reenen is accused of submitting municipal claims but failing to pay the intended beneficiaries. While she has not been charged in connection with Rantsofu’s murder, investigators believe she may possess information that could assist the ongoing murder investigation.

Rantsofu, 39, was gunned down in broad daylight at a tyre fitment centre in Vanderbijlpark in April, just weeks after reporting several suspected corruption cases to police. CCTV footage captured an armed suspect approaching her from behind before opening fire and fleeing the scene.

Her murder shocked the community and intensified concerns about the safety of whistleblowers exposing corruption within local government.

“We firmly believe Martha was killed because of the work she was doing,” said Martha’s brother Tsotang Rantsofu. “She uncovered serious irregularities in the municipality's accounts, and we believe that ultimately cost her her life.”

“She did exactly what was expected of her by reporting the irregularities to her superiors. They should have taken responsibility for opening the case, but instead they left her exposed. It feels like they threw her under the bus.

“There are still many unanswered questions. Whether through negligence or involvement, those who failed to protect Martha or act on what she uncovered must also be held accountable. We want the full truth to come out and justice to be served.”

Rantsofu’s murder shocked the community and intensified concerns about the safety of whistleblowers exposing corruption within local government.

The latest court appearance comes days after Gauteng police confirmed another major fraud investigation involving a vehicle procurement contract worth more than R16m also originated from complaints lodged by Rantsofu before her death.

Former Emfuleni fleet manager Lerato Mpholo was recently arrested by the Gauteng political killings task team on charges of fraud, corruption and theft linked to the vehicle tender.

“This municipality is always in the news for the wrong reasons,” said former Emfuleni MMC Mbuyiselo Gantsu. “We believe Martha did not die innocently. There could have been things she uncovered because she worked in the revenue department.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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