JOSHCO BOSS IN COURT: CEO Themba Mathibe Granted R50,000 Bail In Money Laundering Case

Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) CEO Themba Mathibe has been arrested and released on R50,000 bail after appearing in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on money laundering charges.

Police confirmed on Wednesday that Mathibe appeared in court earlier in the day following an investigation into alleged procurement irregularities at the city-owned housing entity.

Police Confirm Arrest After Cash Found at JOSHCO CEO’s Home

National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Mathibe’s arrest followed an extensive investigation led by the police cold case unit and the Special Task Force.

“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,” Mathe said.

She explained that officers were acting on a J51 search and seizure warrant, which resulted in raids at both Mathibe’s residence and his offices.

“The accused has already appeared before the Alexandra Magistrates Court and has been granted R50,000 bail,” she confirmed.

Mathe added that investigations are continuing and warned that further arrests remain a possibility.

Raid Followed Alleged Contract Irregularities at Joshco

Mathibe’s arrest follows earlier reports that law enforcement officials visited his home and Joshco’s offices as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities involving certain contracts.

Hawks officers are said to have conducted operations on Tuesday morning, during which an undisclosed amount of cash was allegedly discovered. Officers were also reportedly active while Mathibe was at the Sandton police station.

Joshco initially declined to confirm reports of the arrest. In a statement issued on Tuesday, spokesperson Nthabiseng Mphela said the entity was aware of the allegations but could not comment further.

“The Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) is aware of speculation regarding alleged arrests involving its staff members,” Mphela said.

“At this stage, the entity cannot confirm any arrest, nor verify any allegations, as it would be inappropriate to comment on unverified information.”

Mphela confirmed that some employees were questioned at the organisation’s head office but said Joshco had not received official confirmation of any arrests at the time.

She added that the entity respected the rule of law and the presumption of innocence.

“Once the allegations, if any, are formally confirmed through the appropriate legal and governance channels, the Joshco board will provide direction on the way forward for the organisation,” she said.

EFF and DA Demand Accountability and Forensic Probe

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng said Mathibe’s arrest did not come as a surprise.

“It is alleged that Mr Mathibe is under police investigation over contract irregularities and corruption, and was caught in possession of large sums of cash amounting to more than a million of rands,” said provincial chairperson Nkululeko Dunga.

The party described Mathibe’s 2024 appointment as controversial and called for his immediate removal pending the outcome of investigations. It also demanded a full forensic investigation into contracts, procurement processes and financial decisions approved during his tenure.

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) echoed concerns, describing the police raid as part of a wider pattern of governance failures at Joshco.

“This is not an isolated incident. It follows years of warnings about dubious appointments, lack of transparency and a culture of cadre deployment that prioritises political loyalty over competence and accountability,” said DA Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku.

She urged the City of Johannesburg to release documentation relating to Mathibe’s appointment where legally possible, support law enforcement investigations and recommit to merit-based governance.

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