SAMRO Responds to Allegations It Suspended COO for Exposing Fraud: “Suspension Was Not Retaliatory”

• SAMRO allegedly suspended its Chief Operating Officer, Mpho Mofikoe, after she reportedly disclosed fraudulent activity
• SAMRO responded on Friday, 8 August 2025, denying the claims and shared reasons for Mofikoe's suspension
• The organisation also confirmed other changes that were made at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on Thursday, 10 July 2025

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) has responded to reports that it suspended its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mpho Mofikoe, for exposing alleged fraud.

Various publications reported that Mofikoe was suspended on Monday, 3 August 2025, after allegedly exposing corruption at SAMRO. One report quoted sources who said Mofikoe discovered that R30 million was reportedly spent on board members, while R60 million was paid out in alleged fraudulent claims.

SAMRO reacts to claims it suspended COO for exposing fraud

In a statement sent to Briefly News, SAMRO responded to the allegations that its COO had been suspended in retaliation. SAMRO dismissed the reports and clarified that Mpho Mofikoe was suspended to allow ongoing investigations into possible misconduct to proceed without disruption.

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“Contrary to suggestions in the public domain, the COO’s precautionary suspension was not retaliatory, as has been suggested. Instead, it was in response to preliminary findings pointing to potential internal transgressions. The precautionary suspension is standard practice to allow an impartial process to proceed to its fair conclusion without interference,” part of the statement reads.

SAMRO reassured stakeholders of its commitment to transparency and justice. The organisation vowed to implement recommendations in its forensic report and criminal probes currently underway.

“SAMRO assures all stakeholders that all remedial processes, including the implementation of recommendations in the forensic report, and criminal investigations currently underway, are continuing uninterrupted. The organisation takes seriously its obligation to ensure remedial actions and investigations continue without fear or favour until their just and final outcomes,” SAMRO added.

SAMRO confirmed the removal of three Non-Executive Directors at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on Thursday, 10 July 2025. The organisation reminded stakeholders of the board's mandate.

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Emtee shares how much he earned from SAMRO

In November 2022, Emtee left his fans in disbelief after he revealed how much he earned in royalties from SAMRO months after dropping his album Logan as an independent artist.

The rapper and his fans expected him to get a bigger amount because some of his songs were on high rotation on the radio and streaming platforms. Taking to their fave's timeline, some of Emtee's fans claimed SAMRO gave some of his money to his former record label, Ambitiouz Entertainment.

Emtee's years-long battle with the controversial record label uncovered not only the company's shady dealings but also the unfair treatment certain artists face in the music and entertainment industry.

Trompies member chains himself inside SAMRO offices

In the past, SAMRO has been accused of fraudulent activities by several musicians.

In February 2021, Briefly News reported that legendary musician and Trompies member Eugene Mthethwa chained himself inside the SAMRO offices in Johannesburg over a monetary dispute.

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Mthethwa was demanding more money from SAMRO as his pension fund only amounted to hundreds of thousands.

Source: Briefly News