In brief
Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa's ambassador to France, has been discovered dead near the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris. Missing since Monday evening, his disappearance followed a troubling communication. The Paris prosecutor has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of his death, with a focus on potential foul play as the hotel window was found forced open. A notable figure in South African politics and a member of the African National Congress, Mthethwa had been serving in his diplomatic role since December 2023.
South Africa's ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has been found dead near the four-star Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris, French officials have confirmed. He was reported missing by his wife on Monday evening following a worrying message from him, according to the Paris prosecutor's office.
Mthethwa, aged 58, had a booking on the 22nd floor of the hotel, where security personnel discovered that a window had been forcibly opened. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation, with a duty magistrate assigned to assess the scene.
Mthethwa was a prominent member of the African National Congress, a political organization that played a crucial role in establishing democratic governance in South Africa post-apartheid, with Nelson Mandela as the nation’s first black president. He had been serving as the ambassador to Paris since December 2023 and previously held significant government positions, including that of police minister and arts and culture minister. His political career also linked him closely to former President Jacob Zuma, being involved in the state capture inquiry addressing corruption claims during Zuma's term.
In a statement, South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expressed grief, acknowledging Mthethwa as a distinguished servant of the nation and reflecting on the impact of his passing both nationally and within the international diplomatic community. The minister confirmed that French authorities are actively probing the details of Mthethwa's unexpected death.
