The tangled web surrounding the P100 billion scandal has thickened with revelations that the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) allegedly procured a contentious “intelligence report” at the exorbitant cost of P10 million.
New details have come to light indicating that this purported intelligence report was sourced from a company based in neighboring South Africa, facilitated by an unnamed local intermediary. To this day, both the company’s identity and the individual involved remain shrouded in secrecy.
Further information suggests that two covert DIS operatives were tasked with delivering the funds to the South African firm and the local contact. These operatives reportedly made frequent crossings through the Ramotswa border post, discreetly transporting the money concealed within their vehicle boots.
One of the operatives implicated has since been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings.
In a rare and candid interview with Weekend Post this week, Brigadier Joseph Mathambo, former Director General of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), broke his silence on the contentious P100 billion affair—a case that he says cost him his position and took a heavy toll on his mental and emotional health.
Recounting events from 2019, Mathambo recalled a routine briefing with then-President Mokgweetsi Masisi, during which he presented a case involving P5.6 billion—funds allegedly illicitly transferred to a commercial bank in Sandton, an affluent business hub in Johannesburg.
“Despite presenting the case,” Mathambo said, “former President Mokgweetsi Masisi showed little interest in the P5.6 billion matter and instead instructed me to focus on the supposed P100 billion case, directing the DCEC to launch a full investigation.”
“All protocols for registering and assigning the P5.6 billion case were duly followed,” Mathambo explained. “It was registered under case number 508.”
Early on in the investigation of the P5.6 billion case, Mathambo met with then Accountant General Emmah Peloetletse. However, shortly thereafter, he was summoned to the Office of the President to confer with DIS Director General Peter Magosi and President Masisi. There, he was ordered to abandon the P5.6 billion inquiry and prioritize the P100 billion case instead.
Mathambo recounted, “I was promised a complete dossier on the P100 billion case—but it never came. I had serious disagreements with Magosi over the matter. They failed to provide any credible evidence to substantiate the allegations.”
He emphasized that the public deserves transparency about the origins of the P100 billion case and clarity on who bears responsibility for the ensuing debacle. Mathambo asserted that the DCEC was pressured into accepting the case without proper documentation, a case number, or legal foundation, rendering thorough investigation all but impossible.
“On several occasions, former Permanent Secretary to the President Elias Magosi—now Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)—contacted me, urging DCEC to assist DIS with the case,” he disclosed.
He added that the DCEC only formally received the case file eight months after a woman known by the nickname “Butterfly” had already been arrested and charged. “It was unfortunate,” he reflected.
Despite the glaring absence of credible evidence, Mathambo complied with the directive and assembled a team of investigators, who were allocated a dedicated office at DCEC headquarters. Yet, despite their efforts, the team found no leads, as the case lacked a solid foundation.
He firmly denied accusations that the DCEC fabricated the intelligence report, though he acknowledged that persistent rumors circulated alleging the agency purchased the disputed report for P10 million.
“As the former DCEC Director, I am prepared to testify in a court of law regarding the P100 billion case if given the opportunity,” Mathambo declared.
He further expressed his willingness to testify before the forensic audit task team established by President Duma Boko earlier this year, in April.
