Cele casts doubt over Mthethwa’s death as raids and tensions grip SAPS leadership
Former police minister Bheki Cele has publicly questioned the official account of the death of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, saying conflicting reports from French authorities and unexplained delays in allowing South African investigators to travel to Paris have deepened his suspicions.
“Why are our top detectives prevented from travelling to France? This also raises suspicion. First it was said his cellphone was found at a park, later it changed. I don’t believe Mthethwa took his own life. This is my personal view, not the ANC’s. I am sure the ANC will still express its own view on the matter,” Cele told journalists.
His remarks mark his first public appearance since being implicated by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi before the Madlanga commission of inquiry and parliament’s ad-hoc committee probing alleged political interference in police work. Cele is expected to testify before both bodies to respond to claims, including questions about the 10 unanswered calls he allegedly made to controversial businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala on the day of Matlala’s arrest.
Matlala is currently in custody, facing charges of attempted murder and money laundering linked to a R360 million SAPS health services contract awarded during Cele’s tenure as police minister.
Raids on senior police officials’ homes
Just hours before Mthethwa’s memorial service began, police raided the homes of two senior law enforcement figures — suspended deputy national police commissioner for crime detection Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya and Cedrick Nkabinde, chief of staff in the office of suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu.
Electronic devices and documents were seized during the operations, which law enforcement officials said form part of ongoing investigations into corruption and interference in high-profile cases.
In a separate and unrelated operation, authorities confiscated luxury vehicles and assets belonging to Hangwani Maumela, a businessman allegedly linked to the R2 billion looting scandal at Tembisa Hospital.
Both Sibiya and Nkabinde condemned the raids, describing them as part of a broader strategy to intimidate them and prevent them from defending themselves against accusations levelled at them in recent weeks. Their supporters argue that the timing — on the eve of Mthethwa’s memorial — was intended to discredit them publicly and to silence internal critics within the police service.
Cele vows to face allegations head-on
Cele dismissed suggestions that he was avoiding accountability, saying he intends to appear before both the Madlanga commission and parliament’s ad-hoc committee to “tell his side of the story.”
“I will go there and answer. I have nothing to hide,” he told reporters outside the Pinetown civic centre, where the memorial was held.
Inside, the atmosphere was charged but solemn. Hundreds of mourners, many wearing ANC regalia, filled the hall, singing struggle songs in celebration of Mthethwa’s life and his long service to the party and the country.
Family awaits ambassador’s return home
Mthethwa’s widow, Philisiwe Buthelezi, remained in France to oversee arrangements for the repatriation of her husband’s body. Family members in South Africa, however, attended the memorial, expressing gratitude for the support shown by both the public and the ANC.
“As the family, we are happy the ANC has acknowledged and celebrated the role played by Nathi over many years,” said Thembi Mthethwa, the late ambassador’s cousin.
She confirmed that Mthethwa’s remains are expected to arrive at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport by 2pm on Friday before being transported to his family home in KwaMbonambi near eMpangeni.
The funeral will take place on Sunday and has been elevated to a Category 2 Special Official Funeral by President Cyril Ramaphosa, with national flags flying at half-mast across the country in his honour.
Tributes and political reflection
During the memorial, speakers hailed Mthethwa as a loyal cadre and disciplined servant of the people whose work as a former Cabinet minister and later diplomat contributed significantly to the country’s post-apartheid transformation.
“He was a loyal cadre, a disciplined servant of the people. Even in diplomacy, he carried the spirit of the struggle,” said one veteran activist.
But the event was not without introspection and political critique. Several youth representatives used the platform to question the ANC’s continued participation in KwaZulu-Natal’s government of unity, arguing that the coalition had weakened the party’s ability to rebuild its grassroots base.
“We are losing our identity,” said one young activist. “We need to regroup, reconnect with communities and rebuild the ANC from the ground up. Staying in the coalition is delaying the process.”
A group of young artists also performed a spoken word tribute in honour of Mthethwa’s contributions to the arts — a sector he once led as minister — drawing emotional applause from the crowd.
A loyal public servant remembered
As the crowd dispersed, many lingered outside the civic centre, reflecting on Mthethwa’s humility, loyalty, and lifelong commitment to public service.
For some, the day was about celebrating his achievements; for others, it was a stark reminder of the tensions and mistrust currently gripping the country’s political and policing landscape.
Amid growing speculation over the true circumstances of Mthethwa’s death, Cele’s remarks have added a new layer of intrigue to an already complex story — one that continues to unfold as South African investigators seek answers from their French counterparts.
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