Mkhwanazi: Mthethwa’s Political Interference Was ‘The Worst I Ever Experienced’

South Africa’s ambassador to France, and former police minister, Nathi Mthethwa, was found dead at a Paris hotel on Tuesday. French authorities have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Mthethwa served as police minister during a turbulent period for law enforcement, particularly when the Crime Intelligence unit was under intense public scrutiny.

Mkhwanazi’s Explosive Testimony Before Commission

Two weeks ago, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he accused Mthethwa of interfering in police matters during his tenure.

The police commissioner told the commission that in 2011, Mthethwa intervened to halt criminal action against former Crime Intelligence head Richard Mdluli, who faced accusations of misusing the division’s slush fund.

According to Mkhwanazi, Mthethwa confronted him directly, alleging he had coerced former inspector-general of intelligence Advocate Faith Radebe into pressuring the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to pursue charges against Mdluli.

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Recounting the encounter, Mkhwanazi said: “The minister says to me that I forced the inspector-general of intelligence to write a letter to say this matter must go to court.”

When he attempted to deny the allegation, Mthethwa allegedly dismissed his defense. “He simply said we must stop prosecuting Mdluli, we must stop disciplinary case against Mdluli. If you talk about political interference, that was the worst I ever experienced,” Mkhwanazi testified.

Shortly after this confrontation, Mkhwanazi stepped down as acting national police commissioner.

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