By Thapelo Molefe
The chief executive officer of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and acting head of the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), Themba Mathibe, was granted R50 000 bail on Wednesday following his arrest on a money laundering charge.
Mathibe’s arrest comes after an extensive investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) into alleged procurement irregularities at JOSHCO.
SAPS national spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said officers from the Cold Case Unit and the Special Task Force executed a J51 search and seizure warrant at Mathibe’s home and offices, reportedly discovering a substantial sum of cash.
“Following an extensive investigation into allegations of procurement irregularities at the Johannesburg Social Housing Company…The SAPS cold case unit and Special Task Force effected an arrest on a charge of money laundering after the CEO was found with a substantial amount of money at his home,” said Mathe.
“The team was acting on a J51 search and seizure warrant where the accused’s home and offices were raided. The accused has already appeared before the Alexandra Magistrates Court and has been granted R50 000 bail. Investigations continue and the possibility of effecting more arrests cannot be ruled out at this stage.”
Mathe said the investigation is ongoing and warned that additional arrests could follow.
Earlier, JOSHCO had cautioned against speculation. The Entity’s spokesperson Nthabiseng Mphela said police had questioned staff at the entity’s offices but no arrests had been formally communicated.
Political parties in Gauteng immediately weighed in, calling for Mathibe’s removal and a wider investigation into city entities.
The Economic Freedom Fighters described the arrest as predictable, claiming it reflected systemic corruption in ANC-led institutions.
“Mathibe’s appointment as CEO in 2024 was mired in controversy, with allegations of manipulated recruitment processes designed to favour his appointment,” the EFF said.
“We call for his immediate removal pending the conclusion of all investigations and demand a comprehensive forensic probe into all contracts and procurement decisions approved under his administration at the JDA.”
ActionSA’s Johannesburg caucus also raised concerns, saying the arrest undermined public trust in city agencies.
“The Johannesburg Social Housing Company is dysfunctional, with most of its properties uninhabitable, yet its top officials are embroiled in scandal,” said the Human Settlements Whip Omphemetse Matabane.
“We implore the law to leave no stone unturned in the quest for justice. Mr Mathibe should recuse himself from his roles to allow investigations to proceed.”
Mathibe was appointed CEO of the JDA in June 2024 and later seconded to act as head of JOSHCO, a municipal agency responsible for managing Johannesburg’s social housing stock.
The arrests and ongoing investigations have reignited calls for transparency, accountability, and stronger governance in city entities.
The SAPS investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out additional arrests.
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