The family of the late South African Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has strongly denied allegations that Crime Intelligence funds were used to construct a R600,000 perimeter wall at his KwaMbonambi home in KwaZulu-Natal.
The allegations surfaced this week after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi testified before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on corruption within the criminal justice system.
Mkhwanazi told MPs that Crime Intelligence had “secretly built” a wall at Mthethwa’s residence using money from the Secret Fund Account, allegedly without the late ambassador’s knowledge or request.
“We are sitting today, the country is in mourning because we lost one of our ambassadors in France. But that ambassador was a Minister of Police,” Mkhwanazi said.
“If you look at his homestead, you’ll see a very big wall built with money from Crime Intelligence. Nobody was ever held accountable for that, and the reports are there.”
Mkhwanazi claimed the operation was part of a rogue network within Crime Intelligence that used funds to gain leverage over ministers and influence internal oversight.
“It’s members from Crime Intelligence who took the money out of the Secret Fund Account to make that wall — to get control of the minister. Tomorrow they could loot that money and the minister couldn’t say anything,” he told the committee.
Family Rejects “Disrespectful” Allegations
However, the Mthethwa family has firmly rejected these claims. Speaking outside the family home on Wednesday, Khulekani Mthethwa, a close relative, said the house — including the wall — was entirely funded by the ambassador and his wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi.
“We do not know anything about Mkhwanazi’s claims,” Khulekani said.
“What we know, as a family, is that the house and the perimeter wall were built by Mthethwa and his wife. We don’t even want to hear anything further about this matter.”
Family members expressed disappointment that such allegations surfaced while they were still grieving, describing them as “insensitive and disrespectful.”
Tributes and Funeral Arrangements
Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa, 58, died in Paris last week after reportedly falling from the 22nd floor of a hotel. French authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
On Wednesday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and his executive council visited the family home to pay their respects. Ntuli praised Mthethwa for his years of service in government — from Minister of Police to Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, and most recently as Ambassador to France.
He also confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted Mthethwa an official state funeral (Category 2). Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the eulogy on behalf of the president.
Mthethwa’s body is expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, with the funeral service scheduled for Sunday at the local sports field in KwaMthethwa, KwaZulu-Natal.
Context: Crime Intelligence Under Scrutiny
Mkhwanazi’s testimony has reignited public concern over long-standing allegations of misuse of Crime Intelligence slush funds — a recurring issue dating back more than a decade.
He told Parliament that reports detailing these activities were never properly submitted to oversight bodies, leaving corruption within the intelligence structures largely unchecked.
Parliament’s ad hoc committee is expected to call additional witnesses in the coming weeks as part of its ongoing inquiry into alleged state capture within the justice and policing sectors.
