Paris/Johannesburg — French authorities are working with South African officials to determine how South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, died after his body was found in the inner courtyard of the Hyatt Regency in Paris on Tuesday.
Investigators say the window of the 22nd-floor hotel room where Mthethwa was staying had been forced open. There were no immediate signs of a struggle in the room, according to sources briefed on the case. A message sent to his wife before his disappearance suggested suicidal intent, but the family has not accepted that explanation as the cause of death remains unconfirmed.
South Africa has dispatched a five-member police team to Paris to assist French investigators, including in forensic and digital evidence analysis. Officials from both countries are coordinating witness interviews, scene reconstruction, and a review of hotel security footage and access logs.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy at Mthethwa’s funeral on Sunday. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has asked the public to refrain from speculation pending the outcome of the investigation.
Mthethwa, 58, was appointed ambassador to France in late 2023 after a long career in public service. He previously held several cabinet posts, including minister of arts and culture and later sports, and earlier served as police minister. He had attended official commemorations at Delville Wood in northern France over the weekend before his death.
Consular officials are liaising with French authorities on repatriation formalities, while DIRCO has opened a condolence register in Pretoria and at the South African Embassy in Paris. Further updates are expected once autopsy findings and forensic examinations are complete.
