October 01, (THEWILL) — South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead at the foot of the high-rise Hyatt Regency hotel in Western Paris, French authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
Investigators said the 58-year-old diplomat was discovered in the inner courtyard of a hotel, after an apparent fall from the 22nd floor. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene.
According to French prosecutors, the safety mechanism on the window of his hotel room appeared to have been forced open. No signs of struggle or drug use were found, though an autopsy is being conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
Local media reported that on the night before his death, Mthethwa sent a message to his wife in which he apologised and expressed suicidal thoughts.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed the incident, describing it as “a devastating loss” to the nation.
In its statement, DIRCO said, “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that the government of South Africa confirms the untimely passing of His Excellency, Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa. His dedication to public service and his tireless work in strengthening relations between South Africa and France will be remembered with gratitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this painful time.”
Mthethwa, a former cabinet minister and long-serving member of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), was appointed ambassador to France in 2023. He was widely praised for fostering stronger diplomatic and cultural ties between Pretoria and Paris.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues and political leaders, who hailed his decades of service and unwavering commitment to South Africa.
Flags are expected to fly at half-mast at South African diplomatic missions abroad in his honour.
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