Joshco aware of allegations against acting CEO, declines to comment
The Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) confirmed that some employees were questioned by law enforcement at its head office, but declined to comment on allegations involving its acting CEO, Themba Mathibe, including reports of his arrest.
The statement follows reports that law enforcement officers raided Joshco’s offices while Mathibe appeared at the Sandton police station.
According to reports, Hawks officers visited Mathibe’s home on Tuesday morning, where they allegedly found an undisclosed amount of cash.
Reports state he was arrested on Monday after allegedly being found in possession of a substantial sum of money.
The arrest is said to follow a raid by law enforcement authorities at the city’s social housing offices, conducted to investigate alleged irregularities in certain contracts.
Joshco, however, declined to confirm or deny Mathibe’s arrest, saying it would leave the matter to the relevant authorities.
“The Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) is aware of speculation regarding alleged arrests involving its staff members.”
“At this stage, the entity cannot confirm any arrest, nor verify any allegations, as it would be inappropriate to comment on unverified information,” said Joshco spokesperson Nthabiseng Mphela.
Mphela confirmed that some employees were questioned by law enforcement authorities at the organisation’s head office.
“However, we have not received official communication of any arrest of staff or executives, including the acting CEO, Mr Themba Mathibe,” she said.
She added that the entity respects the rule of law and the presumption of innocence, and believes legal processes should be allowed to unfold without interference.
“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, in line with applicable legislation, governance frameworks, and internal policies.”
“Joshco remains committed to ethical leadership, clean governance, accountability, and full cooperation with law enforcement agencies. The entity further wishes to place on record its zero-tolerance policy against fraud and corruption,” Mphela said.
IOL News contacted the Gauteng police for comment regarding the recent raid and arrest. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi advised that all queries should be referred to the Hawks, as they were responsible for the operation.
The Hawks had not responded at the time of publication.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng said it had noted without shock, reports of the arrest of Mathibe.
“The EFF is not surprised by such developments, as they are characteristic of ANC Deployees to government and public entities.”
“The web of corruption within the ANC is deeply embedded and infectious, co-opting the young and old, the unschooled and the educated alike. This is the kind of rot that has eroded the capacity of our government to render services and improve people’s living conditions,” said EFF provincial chairperson Nkululeko Dunga.
“We are particularly not surprised by these revelations because Mathibe’s appointment as CEO in 2024 was mired in controversy, with allegations of manipulated recruitment processes and tailored requirements designed to favour his appointment.”
He said the red berets are calling for the immediate removal of Mathibe as CEO pending the full conclusion of all investigations related to his arrest.
“We further demand a comprehensive forensic investigation into all contracts, procurement processes and financial decisions approved under his administration at the JDA,” he added.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL Politics