South Africa’s ambassador to France, Emmanuel Nkosinathi Mthethwa, widely known as Nathi Mthethwa, was found dead on Tuesday morning at the base of a luxury hotel in western Paris, French authorities have confirmed.
The 58-year-old diplomat had been reported missing on Monday evening after his wife alerted officials to a troubling message in which he apologised and expressed intentions to end his life. His body was discovered in the inner courtyard of the Hyatt hotel by a security guard, prompting the Paris prosecutor’s office to open a formal investigation into the circumstances of his death.
Preliminary findings indicate that Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor of the hotel, where investigators observed that the window’s safety mechanism had been forced open. According to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, there were no signs of a struggle, nor any traces of medication or illegal substances found at the scene. These details have led investigators to focus on suicide as the likely cause of death, though a comprehensive inquiry remains underway.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described Mthethwa’s passing as “tragic,” extending heartfelt condolences to his wife and family. Mthethwa, a seasoned statesman, had been appointed ambassador to France in December 2023 to strengthen bilateral relations. His distinguished career included tenures as minister of police and minister of sports, arts and culture, marking him as a significant figure in South Africa’s political landscape. His sudden death has cast a pall over both diplomatic and national communities.