Mourners gathered in Greenvillage on Saturday, March 12 for the funeral service of the late Councillor Ntaoleng Mpho Mofokeng who died in an alleged assassination at his home.

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The funeral service was held at the local AFM Church, a few meters from where Mofokeng took his last breath. The 38-year-old councillor sustained fatal injuries when unknown men entered his home firing two bullets into his upper body.

Mofokeng recently took up the reigns at the office of Ward 53 following his win at the Local Government Elections in November last year. He served under the Ruth First branch of the ANC.

Fellow councillor, Phelelani Sindani of Ward 135 described Mofokeng as a fearless cadre who was ready to serve the community of ward 53 and in particular cultivate the youth. “Councillor Mpho Mofokeng was one person who was able to unite. He did not hold grudges. He was willing to work with even the people who did not support and believe in him,” said Sindani.

ANC Johannesburg caucus leader, Mpho Moerane who was in attendance said the party was saddened by the loss of one of its young and vibrant leaders. Morene said the late councillor was a talented leader who showed great potential.

“At this particular moment, we do not want to speculate. We will wait for the police to tell us if there are people who have killed him we will make sure that they get arrested and serve time in jail for the deed they have done,” Morene said. “We believe that Mpho was so smart that there’s no way he could have taken his life. He had a lot of potential. He was looking forward to helping the community of Ward 53 and serving the people of Johannesburg. We will make sure we follow up on his death.”

Moerane further vowed that the party will be working closely with the police to ensure the culprits are brought to book.

Thabang Baloyi, a community activist urged young people of Ward 53 to follow in the footsteps of the late councillor citing that Mofokeng’s death should not be in vain.

“Councillor Mpho’s death must be an example of what good leadership is, especially to the young people. Ours is to ensure that where he left off, we will pick up the spear and continue the fight,” Baloyi said. “Mpho wanted unity; he wanted young people to get involved.” The police are still investigating the matter.