While tributes and condolences have poured in on social media following the death of former minister and South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, so too have conspiracy theories.
Mthethwa was found dead in a French hotel. Police in France have yet to confirm the cause of death.
His passing comes shortly after KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accused him of political interference during testimony before the Madlanga Commission.
STRANGE THEORIES SURFACE
Videos of Mkhwanazi’s testimony, alleging that Mthethwa pressured former Inspector-General of Intelligence, Faith Radebe, into withdrawing a criminal case against former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli, have been widely circulated on X. Shared along with the clip, online speculation ranges from claims of an assassination to more far-fetched theories that Mthethwa may have faked his death to avoid appearing before the commission.
Mthethwa served as Minister of Police before being appointed Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture. At the time of his death, he was South Africa’s Ambassador to France.
MTHETHWA REMEMBERED
Despite the swirl of theories, several political figures have expressed sadness at his passing. President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government and citizens stand with the Mthethwa family, adding that his life “ended prematurely and traumatically.” The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party also extended condolences, remembering him for his service as Minister of Police, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, and Ambassador to France.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) described Mthethwa as a distinguished public servant whose career spanned critical ministerial portfolios and leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Directors of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee. DIRCO said the former minister also contributed for decades to the African National Congress (ANC) through its highest decision-making structures.
The circumstances of his death remain under investigation by French authorities.
