The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court has struck the fraud case against Johannesburg Development Agency chief executive Themba Mathibe from the roll. Prosecutors had sought more time to complete investigations but the court declined the request on 2 June. The National Prosecuting Authority says it plans to re-enrol the matter once inquiries are finalised.
Mathibe, who is also acting chief executive at the Johannesburg Social Housing Company, was arrested in January. Police seized R321,000 in cash during a search at his home as part of a corruption probe. He was granted R50,000 bail.
On 2 June prosecutors told the court that investigations remained incomplete and asked for additional time. The defence opposed the application. The magistrate ruled there was no basis to keep the case active and struck it off the roll.
The NPA confirmed in a statement that it intends to return the matter to court once probes conclude. It noted concern that no formal inquiry under section 342A of the Criminal Procedure Act took place before the strike-off. The City of Johannesburg said the issue relates to Mathibe’s personal affairs and that no action would be taken absent a conviction or formal finding.
