The recent tragic death of former South African Police Minister and ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa has reignited public scrutiny over a legacy marked by controversy and allegations of political interference in police matters.
Known for his close association with former President Jacob Zuma, Mthethwa was no stranger to allegations brought forward by high-profile inquiries, notably the Zondo Commission of Inquiry and the Madlanga Commission-relating to misuse of crime intelligence funds and political meddling.
Mthethwa, who served as Minister of Police from 2009 to 2018 under Zuma and later took on roles including Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, and ambassador to France, faced serious accusations surrounding the abuse of the police’s secret slush fund during his tenure.
The Zondo Commission heard detailed allegations that crime intelligence funds were misappropriated for personal gain and extravagant expenditures, including purchasing luxury vehicles.
One of the most striking testimonies came from whistleblower Colonel Dhanajaya Naidoo during the Zondo Commission hearings.
Naidoo revealed that a Mercedes-Benz ML350, worth approximately R373,850, was bought from secret service funds for Mthethwa’s use around 2009 or 2010.
According to Naidoo, the vehicle was eventually ordered removed by then-crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli after Mthethwa complained about journalists following him.
“I have personal knowledge of this vehicle,” Naidoo told Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
He described how the vehicle ultimately ended up in the hands of Mdluli and former Major General Solomon Lazarus, the head of the secret service account, before its final relocation to Cape Town.
“From what I understood about journalists following the minister, I believed this was not an above-board transaction,” Naidoo added, highlighting the murky nature of these dealings.
Further allegations arose at the Madlanga Commission when KwaZulu-Natal police boss Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mthethwa of interfering politically in police investigations.
Mkhwanazi specifically alleged that in 2021, Mthethwa pressured former Inspector-General of Intelligence Faith Radebe to drop the criminal case against Richard Mdluli, who was charged with corruption related to the abuse of the crime intelligence slush fund that funded private trips and unfettered use of police property.
While Mkhwanazi’s claims initially went unpursued, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption resurrected the case against Mdluli last year, casting a long shadow over Mthethwa’s tenure and influence.
On September 19, 2019, Hawks investigator Kobus Roelofse also named Nathi Mthethwa alongside senior journalist Ranjeni Munusamy as beneficiaries of illicit proceeds from the abuse of the secret service account, deepening suspicions of systemic corruption linked to Mthethwa.
Despite these controversies, Mthethwa significantly influenced the ANC and government circles.
In 2022, he faced public backlash over a proposal to erect a R22 million giant flag at Freedom Park, which many viewed as an extravagant misuse of public resources.
Nevertheless, ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri described him warmly as “a freedom fighter” who led “a life of both struggle and service.”
Mthethwa’s life came to a sudden and tragic end after his body was discovered in the courtyard of the upscale Hyatt Hotel in France, where he served as ambassador.
Prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that initial investigations point to a deliberate act, with no indication of third-party involvement.
His wife had spoken to him hours before and received a message indicating he was in distress.
President Cyril Ramaphosa offered condolences, describing Mthethwa’s death as “untimely” and “a moment of deep grief.”
He acknowledged Mthethwa’s diverse public service career while underscoring that French authorities remain investigating the circumstances of his passing.
Politics
