Silence and Speculation: Why the Madlanga Commission Won’t Say If Nathi Mthethwa Was Called to Testify

Was Nathi Mthethwa Going to Testify? Commission Keeps the Nation Guessing

The sudden death of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, continues to raise more questions than answers and now, the silence of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is fuelling even more speculation.

Mthethwa, a former Police and Sports Minister, was found dead outside the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris, reportedly after falling from the 22nd floor. French authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

But for many at home, one question is quickly becoming central:

Was Mthethwa about to be summoned to testify before the commission investigating political interference in policing?

The commission won’t say.

A Death That Landed in the Middle of Explosive Testimony

Just two weeks before Mthethwa’s death, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi delivered shocking testimony before the commission, accusing Mthethwa of directly interfering in internal police investigations back in 2011.

Mkhwanazi claimed that while serving as acting National Police Commissioner, he was pressured to halt legal and disciplinary action against then–Crime Intelligence boss, Lt-Gen. Richard Mdluli.

“If you talk about political interference, that was the worst I ever experienced…” Mkhwanazi said, describing the encounter as a complete betrayal of his duty as a career police officer.

For ordinary South Africans, the testimony reopened old wounds, reminders of a time when political power allegedly shielded corruption within law enforcement.

The Commission’s Silence Speaks Loudly

In light of those accusations, many expected that Mthethwa, who served as Police Minister from 2009 to 2014, would be called to respond.

But when asked explicitly whether Mthethwa had been contacted or was scheduled to testify, the Madlanga Commission offered no answer.

Their refusal has only intensified public curiosity.

• Was he approached quietly?

• Was he resisting a summons?

• Was testimony inevitable and did he know it?

At this point, all the public has is silence.

Proceedings Paused And Tensions Rise

To add to the mystery, the commission has suspended hearings until October 13, following a sudden health-related withdrawal by another witness, Lt-Gen. Dumisani Khumalo.

Meanwhile, social media timelines are split between heartfelt tributes and hard-nosed questions.

• “Respect the dead he served his country,” some insist.

• “Serve the truth he has questions to answer,” others counter.

Tributes Flow, But Questions Linger

President Cyril Ramaphosa called Mthethwa’s passing “a moment of deep grief for the nation,” praising his years of service across multiple government roles.

But even as condolences pour in, the political reality is unavoidable: Mthethwa died under a cloud of renewed scrutiny.

A Developing Story with Unfinished Business

South Africans have grown accustomed to commissions that dig up truth long after individuals have left office  or, in some cases, this world.

This case feels different. A key figure was alive when his name returned to the spotlight… and gone before he could respond.

So now, one looming question remains:

Will the Madlanga Commission push forward or quietly let this part of history fade with him?

For now, we wait. But South Africans, as history shows, rarely forget unanswered questions.

{Source: IOL}

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