The family of the late former French Ambassador, Nathi Mthethwa, has strongly refuted allegations that state funds were used to build a R600,000 perimeter wall around his homestead in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal.
The claims surfaced after KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, testified before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on 7 October 2025. During his testimony, Mkhwanazi alleged that money from the Crime Intelligence slush fund was used to construct the wall surrounding Mthethwa’s property.
In his statement to the committee, Mkhwanazi said the funds, meant for intelligence operations, were redirected to upgrade security features at the former ambassador’s private residence — a move that, if true, would amount to an abuse of state resources.
However, Mthethwa’s family has come out strongly against the claims, calling them false and damaging. Speaking outside the family home in KwaMbonambi, Mthethwa’s brother, Khulekani Mthethwa, categorically denied that public money was used in any way for the construction.
“The wall around this property was built by my late brother and his wife using their own funds. There was no involvement of state money, Crime Intelligence, or any other government department,” Khulekani stated.
He added that the family was “deeply hurt” by the insinuations made before Parliament, describing them as an attempt to tarnish Mthethwa’s legacy following his untimely death earlier this year.
“My brother served this country with dedication and integrity, both in government and later in the diplomatic service. It is unfair that such baseless allegations are being spread while we are still mourning,” he added.
The Mthethwa family has called on those making the claims to produce proof that any state funds were used, emphasizing that the property improvements were financed privately.
The controversy has drawn widespread attention, especially as it comes amid heightened scrutiny over the alleged misuse of Crime Intelligence’s secret funds — long suspected of being diverted for personal or political purposes. The Ad Hoc Committee hearings have already revealed a number of questionable expenditures linked to senior officials.
General Mkhwanazi’s testimony is part of ongoing investigations into how millions of rands from the intelligence budget were allegedly spent outside of operational mandates. His statements have implicated several individuals, though no formal charges have been laid in connection with the Mthethwa homestead.
Nathi Mthethwa, who previously served as Minister of Arts and Culture before being appointed as South Africa’s Ambassador to France, was found dead in his hotel room in Paris earlier this year. His death, shrouded in mystery, has been the subject of much speculation and several ongoing investigations.
Despite the political storm, the Mthethwa family remains firm in its stance that the R600,000 wall was built using personal savings, not taxpayer money.
“We will not allow falsehoods to stain the name of a man who gave his life to public service,” Khulekani concluded.
As Parliament continues to probe the alleged misuse of Crime Intelligence funds, the family says they will cooperate fully with any lawful investigation — but will not tolerate defamatory claims without evidence.
The issue has once again sparked public debate over accountability, transparency, and ethics within South Africa’s law enforcement and intelligence sectors.
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