South Africans Weigh In on Bheki Cele’s Tribute to Nathi Mthethwa’s Crime-Fighting Legacy

The recent tribute from former Police Minister Bheki Cele to the late Nathi Mthethwa has sparked a major debate across South Africa. While Cele intended to honour Mthethwa’s legacy in crime-fighting, many South Africans reacted with mixed emotions—ranging from respect and sympathy to criticism and political skepticism.

This moment of remembrance has quickly evolved into a national conversation about leadership, policing, accountability, and public trust.

1. What Did Bheki Cele Say?

At Mthethwa’s memorial service, Cele praised his former colleague, claiming that:

• Crime was lower during Mthethwa’s tenure.

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• Tactical crime-fighting units were created under him.

• Mthethwa was “calm, reasonable, and effective in decision-making.”

Cele also attacked critics who spoke negatively about Mthethwa after his death, calling them:

• “Heartless”

• “Monsters”

• Even comparing them to “Sodom and Gomorrah.”

He then added another layer of controversy by questioning the official narrative of Mthethwa’s death, saying there were “inconsistencies” in the investigation and delays by detectives—implying it might not have been suicide.

2. How South Africans Reacted

✅ A. Support & Sympathy: “He served the country”

Some South Africans and ANC members felt Cele’s tribute was appropriate, saying:

• Mthethwa was a loyal servant of the state.

• He contributed to policing reforms.

• The moment should be about respect and mourning.

They saw Cele’s words as loyalty and brotherhood, especially in a tragic situation.

❓ B. Skepticism: “Is Cele trying to make a political comeback?”

Others questioned Cele’s motives:

• Why is he speaking publicly again after retirement?

• Is he defending his own legacy by praising Mthethwa’s?

• Is this a political move inside the ANC?

Some felt that Cele was using the tribute to position himself politically or to criticize current leadership indirectly.

⚠️ C. Historical Reminders: “What about Marikana?”

Many pointed out that Mthethwa’s legacy is not entirely positive.

During his time as Police Minister, the Marikana massacre (2012) took place—where police killed 34 striking miners. This tragedy still haunts the nation.

Critics say:

“You cannot speak of a ‘great crime-fighting legacy’ while ignoring Marikana.”

Thus, the tribute felt one-sided or revisionist to some citizens.

🔥 D. Criticism of Cele’s Tone: “Calling citizens monsters?”

Cele’s choice of words angered many:

• Why call grieving or critical citizens “monsters”?

• Isn’t public debate a democratic right?

• Should a former minister speak with such hostility?

Some felt his speech was emotionally uncontrolled and disrespectful.

3. Deeper Meaning: Why This Blew Up

This controversy is not just about two politicians. It reflects a bigger crisis in South Africa:

• Rising crime rates

• Lower trust in the police

• Frustration with political leaders

• Public demand for transparency

Many people saw Cele’s speech as a symbol of how leaders glorify the past instead of fixing the present.

4. Mystery Around Mthethwa’s Death

Cele’s doubts about the “suicide theory” added fuel to the fire.

He mentioned:

• Conflicting details in reports

• Delayed investigations

• Changes in phone location records

This made the public wonder:

• Was it really suicide?

• Is there more to the story?

• Why is the state not being clear?

Now, the public wants answers, not just tributes.

Conclusion

Bheki Cele intended to honour Nathi Mthethwa—but his tribute opened a much deeper debate about truth, leadership, policing, and accountability in South Africa.

South Africans’ reactions can be summarized as:

✔ Some respected the tribute
✔ Some questioned the motives
✔ Some reminded the nation of past failures
✔ Many were offended by Cele’s harsh language
✔ Everyone sensed something bigger is going on

In the end, this was not just about remembering a former minister…
It was about a nation demanding security, honesty, and respect from its leaders.