[BREAKING] South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, Found Dead in Paris Hotel

Johannesburg, South Africa – October 1, 2025

South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead in Paris. French authorities confirmed that his body was discovered on Tuesday in the inner courtyard of the Hyatt Regency hotel, where he had been staying on the 22nd floor.

Initial reports indicate that the hotel room window had been forced open, with scissors found nearby. A note addressed to his wife was also recovered. Paris prosecutors have said investigations are ongoing, with no immediate confirmation on whether the death was self-inflicted or if foul play was involved.

Mthethwa, aged 58, had been reported missing the previous evening. His wife later told investigators that she received messages from him expressing despair.

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences to the Mthethwa family, describing his passing as a “deep loss” and acknowledging his long years of public service. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed his death, stating that it is in close contact with French authorities.

Mthethwa previously held several senior cabinet positions, including Minister of Police from 2008 to 2014 and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture from 2014 to 2019, before being appointed ambassador to France in 2023.

In recent weeks, his legacy had drawn renewed attention following testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that Mthethwa intervened in 2011 to halt criminal and disciplinary proceedings against former Crime Intelligence chief Richard Mdluli. The claims of political interference remain part of ongoing commission proceedings.

At present, French investigators are continuing their inquiries into the circumstances of his death, while South African officials have asked for privacy for the family during this period.