South Africa’s ambassador to France has been found dead outside a high-rise hotel in Paris.
Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, 58, had been reported missing by his wife on Monday after she got a text message from him that concerned her, the prosecutor’s office in the French capital said.
It added that the ambassador’s body was discovered at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel in the west of the city.
Mr Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor, the prosecutor’s office said, adding that a secured window was forced open.
The ambassador was believed to have killed himself, French media including newspaper Le Parisien reported, without citing a source.
His death was called a “national loss” by South Africa’s ministry of international relations, which said the circumstances were under investigation by French authorities.
In his diplomatic role, to which he was appointed in December 2023, the ambassador was “tasked with strengthening the vital partnership and bilateral ties between South Africa and France“, said the ministry.
“I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community,” said minister of international relations, Ronald Lamola.
‘Distinguished servant of the nation’
The ministry also said in a statement: “Ambassador Mthethwa was a distinguished servant of the nation, whose career was marked by dedicated service in critical ministerial portfolios.”
He was South Africa’s minister of arts and culture from 2014 to 2019, adding sports to his portfolio from 2019 to 2023.
Mr Mthethwa had been minister of safety and security from 2008 to 2009 and minister of police from 2009 to 2014.
Mr Mthethwa also served on the board of directors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup local organising committee.
He was a member of parliament from 2002 to 2023.
The ministry of international relations said: “His lifelong commitment to public duty was further exemplified by his longstanding contribution to the African National Congress through its highest decision-making structures.”
“The government of South Africa extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Ambassador Mthethwa, and to his friends and colleagues during this period of immense grief.
“He is survived by his wife and children.”
