Podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa Questions Paul Mashatile’s Illness Amid Poisoning Rumours

• Podcast host Penuel Mlotshwa stirred Mzansi after linking Deputy President Paul Mashatile's illness to poisoning rumours
• Sunday World reported that sources raised suspicions of poisoning, with consideration given to sending Mashatile to Russia for treatment
• The Office of the Deputy President confirmed Mashatile underwent a minor surgical procedure but has not addressed the poisoning claims

Podcast host and social commentator Penuel Mlotshwa has sent social media into overdrive after reacting to swirling rumours that Deputy President Paul Mashatile may have been poisoned. His post drew sharp reactions from across Mzansi, with some calling it irresponsible and others treating it as a conversation worth having.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, Penuel Mlotshwa connected Mashatile's prolonged absence from public duties to similar rumours that once surrounded former Deputy President David "DD" Mabuza and former Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, asking:

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"Who would poison/harm these guys & why???"

See Penuel's full post below:

What we know about Paul Mashatile's health

According to a Sunday World report, Mashatile has not made a confirmed public appearance since 18 July 2026, when he officiated at the Mandela Day Water Services Project Launch in KwaZulu-Natal. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola stood in for him at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Winter Seminar five days later. The Presidency only addressed his absence publicly on 4 August, confirming he was recovering from a "minor surgical procedure" and that President Ramaphosa had personally visited him.

Sources briefed on developments told Sunday World that Mashatile had at one point been admitted to the ICU before being discharged. Two separate sources raised suspicions of possible poisoning, while another indicated that sending him to Russia for treatment had been considered. A source close to the deputy president said he had first received care in Cape Town before continuing treatment in Johannesburg as an outpatient.

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The Office of the Deputy President noted the Sunday World report and maintained its earlier position: Mashatile became unwell at his Johannesburg home, was admitted for a minor surgical procedure and observation, and was subsequently discharged. No statement addressed the poisoning allegations directly.

Sunday World could not independently verify the ICU admission, the poisoning suspicions, or the Russia treatment claims.

Mzansi reacts after Penuel suggests Mashatile was poisoned

Reactions to Mlotshwa's post were swift and divided:

@Hasman7455 was critical:

"Penuel, why can't you wait for facts instead of posting rumours as news? Linking Mashatile, Mabuza and Mthethwa like this without evidence is reckless. You're old enough to know how dangerous that is. If you have proof, show it. If not, stop spreading lies."

@faried_manuel agreed:

"It's a good thing you are not a journalist — always know the answer before speculating and asking any follow-up question. Proof of crime is followed by speculation of a motive; otherwise, you are just following the religious playbook."

@Luleko_Mtshali brought up the past:

"Remember they poisoned Zuma also… it started way back."

@msFicky took a more personal jab:

"You also dabble as a gossip monger wena baby maker? You are so busy..."

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@_Mmaswy was blunt:

"Let's sit back and watch them kill each other and let their grandchildren fight over corruption money."

@joe367899888453 raised Mashatile's controversial associations:

"If you sit in a position of power that is sought after by so many, you will get these things. Maybe his R60m homes have owners, and they want their money back. With Paul, you would never know. He has been seen with some shady people in the past."

Penuel sparks backlash with Zulu empire expansion plan

Penuel's comments about Paul Mashatile's health came after his earlier comments wishing for a Zulu king who would send men to impregnate women from other tribes, as reported by Briefly News.

Mlotshwa framed the idea as empire expansion, also calling for Zulu schools and churches to be built across all provinces in Southern Africa.

Source: Briefly News