South Africa's ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel "Nathi" Mthethwa, was found dead on Tuesday at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris. French authorities are investigating the incident, with initial findings suggesting a deliberate act without third-party involvement.
Ambassador Mthethwa, 58, was reported missing by his wife on Monday evening after she received a distressing message from him . The Paris prosecutor's office stated that the message contained an apology and an expression of his intention to end his life .
His body was discovered in the interior courtyard of the hotel on Tuesday morning . He had booked a room on the 22nd floor, and the secured window in the room had been forced open with a pair of scissors, which were found at the scene . The Paris prosecutor noted that initial investigations found no signs of a struggle or traces of medication, suggesting this may have been a deliberate act without the involvement of another person .
Nathi Mthethwa had a long and distinguished career in South African politics and public service. He was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023 . Prior to his diplomatic posting, he held several cabinet positions, including Minister of Police from 2009 to 2014 and Minister of Arts and Culture (later adding Sport to his portfolio) from 2014 to 2023 .
At the time of his death, Mthethwa was implicated in the ongoing Madlanga Commission, a national inquiry into widespread corruption and alleged collusion between politicians and the police . Recent testimony at the inquiry alleged that he had attempted to interfere in the prosecution of a former head of South Africa's police crime intelligence agency .
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow, calling Mthethwa's passing "a moment of deep grief" and noting that he had "served our nation in diverse capacities during a lifetime that has ended prematurely and traumatically" .
The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed his death, describing him as a "distinguished servant of the nation" . French authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.