Questions mount over JDA CEO Themba Mathibe case as NPA orders probe

The entrance of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Pretoria. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has moved to contain growing controversy after allegations surfaced that a senior official improperly influenced the handling of a high-profile case involving Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) CEO Themba Mathibe. Mathibe was arrested on 26 January at his residence in Bryanston after police allegedly discovered large sums of cash stored on the premises.

The 28-year-old was later charged with money laundering and granted R50 000 bail by the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court. Public concern intensified when it emerged on Saturday, 7 February, that the case had not been enrolled at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court, according toNews24. A senior director in the NPA’s Gauteng office reportedly declined to proceed with enrolment, citing that only R450 000 — rather than the reported R2 million — had been found in Mathibe’s possession.

Both the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the South African Police Service (Saps) have since confirmed that investigations related to the matter are ongoing. National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe did not rule out additional arrests, following reports that Mathibe allegedly told law enforcement authorities the cash belonged to two City of Johannesburg Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs). The NPA confirmed that newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Andy Mothibi has requested a detailed briefing from acting Johannesburg Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Livingstone Sakata on the handling of the case.

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An internal probe has also been initiated to assess whether proper procedures were followed and whether any misconduct occurred. The NPA further acknowledged allegations raised in a separateNews24articlepublished on 31 January 2026titled“NPA ‘stalls’ R64m City Power fraud, corruption case, despite arrest warrants”.

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