Johnathan Paoli
The Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) has cautioned against speculation about alleged arrests of its staff members, saying it cannot confirm any, and has received no official communication from law-enforcement authorities.
“At this stage, the entity cannot confirm any arrest, nor to verify any allegations as it would be inappropriate to comment on unverified information,” said JOSHCO spokesperson, Nthabiseng Mphela said.
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Mphela said law-enforcement officials had visited JOSHCO’s head office and questioned some employees. She added that no arrests had been formally communicated to the entity, including regarding its acting CEO, Themba Mathibe.
The statement follows media reports linking Mathibe, who is also chief executive of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and has been seconded to lead JOSHCO, to an alleged arrest during a law-enforcement operation.
Inside Metros contacted SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe for clarity, but she refused to provide confirmation of any arrest or charges involving Mathibe.
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Media reports said the law-enforcement operation was linked to investigations into alleged procurement and contract irregularities at city entities, including JOSHCO’s offices in Braamfontein.
According to media reports, Mathibe is expected to appear at the Specialised Crimes Court on Wednesday morning.
Mathibe was appointed chief executive of the JDA in June 2024. The agency is a municipal entity of the City of Johannesburg responsible for planning, managing and implementing strategic projects aimed at urban regeneration and economic development.
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Mphela said JOSHCO respects the rule of law and the presumption of innocence, and that its board would consider the next steps only once any allegations were formally confirmed through legal and governance processes.
This is a developing story.
INSIDE METROS
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