PARIS/JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, 58, was found dead on Tuesday after falling into the inner courtyard of the Hyatt Regency in Paris’ 17th arrondissement, authorities said. Hotel staff discovered his body on Tuesday morning; preliminary findings indicate he fell from the 22nd floor.
National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola said a five-member team of experienced South African detectives will liaise with French authorities to ensure a “thorough and transparent” investigation. French prosecutors have opened an inquest. According to local media, a note sent to Mthethwa’s wife on Monday prompted a missing-person report and expressed an intention to end his life. While questions about possible foul play have surfaced, officials stressed that early indications point to a deliberate act, pending final forensic results.
Mthethwa’s wife reported him missing on Monday after receiving what police described as a “worrying message.” His phone was later traced to the Bois de Boulogne before he was found at the hotel. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said it would issue a comprehensive statement once official processes in France are complete and expressed condolences to the family.
A veteran politician and former cabinet minister, Mthethwa was appointed ambassador to France and permanent delegate to UNESCO in March 2024. He previously served as Minister of Police and later Minister of Arts and Culture, the latter portfolio expanded to include sports in 2019. An ally of former President Jacob Zuma, he was named in several judicial inquiries over the years and faced renewed scrutiny in recent weeks.
Two weeks before his death, testimony at the Madlanga Commission—probing alleged political interference in policing—implicated Mthethwa in obstructing justice during his 2011 tenure as police minister. The commission has not confirmed whether it sought his testimony. His police ministry tenure also coincided with the 2012 Marikana tragedy, when 34 striking miners were killed by police, one of South Africa’s darkest moments since the end of apartheid.
DIRCO said repatriation arrangements are underway, with Mthethwa’s family awaiting completion of formalities in France. Gen. Masemola urged the public to refrain from speculation as investigators gather witness statements, review hotel security footage, and await autopsy findings.
Funeral details will be announced in consultation with the family once his remains are returned to South Africa.
