CEO of key Johannesburg entities charged with money laundering

Themba Mathibe, the CEO of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and acting CEO of the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), faces serious allegations following his arrest on money laundering charges.

He was formally charged and appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, where he was granted R50,000 bail without opposition from the state.

The case has been postponed to 2 June 2026 for further investigation.

The incident unfolded amid a major police operation. Hawks investigators raided JOSHCO offices on Monday, January 26, 2026, questioning staff over suspected contract irregularities, procurement flaws, and corruption.

The 28-year-old executive, a former prominent figure in the ANC Youth League in Johannesburg, was detained after authorities reportedly discovered a substantial amount of cash at his Sandton residence during a raid.

Mathibe’s rapid rise within Johannesburg’s municipal entities has drawn scrutiny.

He previously served as JOSHCO’s Chief Operations Officer before he was appointed JDA CEO in 2024 at the age of 26, despite objections from opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA).

The DA has claimed vindication, pointing to long-standing concerns about cadre deployment, governance lapses, and Mathibe’s vetting process.

They have demanded the release of recruitment documents and called for greater transparency in municipal appointments.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng expressed no surprise at the arrest and called for Mathibe’s immediate removal, alongside a full probe into contracts and financial decisions under his leadership.

JOSHCO issued a measured statement via spokesperson Nthabiseng Mphela, affirming respect for the rule of law, the presumption of innocence, and commitment to due process.

The entity noted it had not received official confirmation of arrests at the time but would follow governance protocols once facts emerge.

This case highlights persistent challenges in Johannesburg’s municipal entities, including allegations of corruption, irregular expenditure, and weak oversight.

The JDA drives urban regeneration and infrastructure, while JOSHCO addresses affordable housing amid the city’s acute shortages.