Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, have met regarding an investigation into alleged corruption involving Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae, Free State Premier.
On Friday, 11 October 2024, the Economic Freedom Fighters, Democratic Alliance and Action SA all opened a fraud and corruption case against Mathae following explosive claims made by Patrick “The Butcher” Phuthi. Financial statements seen by this publication are said to support those claims.
A few weeks later, the Hawks confirmed to this publication that their investigation had been completed and that they were awaiting a decision from the NPA.
With no official word or action from the NPA until now, there appears to be movement on the matter.
STEPUPSANEWS can confirm that the NPA and Hawks met on 6 November 2025.
Among the matters discussed were:
- Delays relating to outstanding investigations that still needed to be concluded.
- Investigations that still require confirmation.
Sources say a decision is expected within the next month or two at the latest from now.
At least R1 million was paid to a company with links to R709 project by Phuti and the same company has been scoring tenders left, right and centre at Community Safety, Roads and Transport where Mathae was MEC.
The latest project is the R97 million job.
Another R500 000 payment was made to a company with links to department’s senior official who o facing fraud and corruption charges in a separate case.
Other NPA decisions pending….
Mathae is not the only one awaiting NPA to decide, Dibolelo Mance, MEC for Public Works is also waiting.
It’s been months since the DPCI concluded their investigation and awaiting a decision from NPA.
Then there is also DARD case when Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena, was MEC.
A matter that is still needing a decion to investigate is the R10 million bonanza at Education. This is where friends colluded with department honchos.
In other developments, Mathae is also expected to reshuffle her EXCO, with the MECs for Health and Agriculture set to swap portfolios, while Sports, Arts and Culture MEC could be on her way out to make way for Youth League leader in order for her support in the upcoming provincial conference.
Free State is a crime scene and these are results of stomach infrastructure.
This is a developing story.
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