NPA Boss Orders Urgent Probe into "Stalled" Prosecutions of Top Johannesburg City Officials
By
Edmund Owusu
JOHANNESBURG – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has launched an urgent internal investigation into allegations that its prosecutors failed to pursue high-profile corruption cases involving the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and City Power, despite reportedly having sufficient evidence to do so.
The inquiry, ordered by National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andy Mothibi, comes amidst growing public outrage following media reports that cases against senior city officials—including JDA CEO Themba Mathibe—were inexplicably "curbed" or delayed.
"Veracity" of Allegations Tested
In a statement released Saturday, February 7, the NPA confirmed that Advocate Mothibi has requested a comprehensive briefing from the Director of Public Prosecutions in Gauteng, Livingstone Sakata. The internal review aims to "test the veracity" of claims that the NPA declined to enroll these matters in court despite arrest warrants reportedly being approved.
"The NDPP is concerned with the public perception created," the NPA stated, emphasizing the need to restore confidence in the rule of law.
The "Cash-in-Transit" CEO
At the center of the storm is Themba Mathibe, the CEO of the JDA and acting CEO of the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco). Mathibe was arrested late last month after a police raid on his Sandton home allegedly uncovered a "substantial amount" of cash—reported to be around R2 million—leading to money laundering charges.
Despite the serious nature of the charges and his release on R50,000 bail, Mathibe remains in his post, a situation that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society. The internal NPA probe will examine how his prosecution has been managed thus far.
The R64 Million Power Scandal
The investigation will also scrutinize the stalling of a separate fraud and corruption case involving City Power, the city's electricity utility. Reports indicate that a case involving alleged fraud totaling R64 million—implicating senior executives such as CEO Tshifularo Mashava—has stagnated.
News24 reported that despite evidence being available to charge the executives, the cases were not placed on the court roll, prompting accusations of interference.
Restoring Faith
This intervention by the national leadership of the NPA signals a potential crackdown on perceived inaction within its regional divisions. The NPA has promised to put "adequate measures" in place once the facts of the delay are established.