South African Ambassador to France Nkosinathi Emmanuel "Nathi" Mthethwa has been found dead after falling from the 22nd floor of a Hyatt Hotel in Paris. The 58-year-old diplomat had been reported missing just 24 hours earlier by his wife after she received a worrying message from him.
According to the Mirror, his wife Philisiwe Buthelezi received the concerning text message in the evening before he disappeared. Police launched an extensive search operation with dog squads in western Paris, fearing a possible suicide after his phone last pinged around 3pm Monday near Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement.
The search teams combed through woods in western Paris after authorities traced his mobile phone signal. His wife had contacted police when the worrying message raised her concerns about his wellbeing.
Investigation findings
Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor of the four-star hotel. Officials stated: "His phone last rang around 3pm on Monday near the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. The secure window was forced open."
Police have not yet confirmed the exact circumstances surrounding his death. The investigation continues as authorities piece together the final hours before the tragic incident.
Mthethwa made his last public appearance on Saturday at the 109th Anniversary of the Battle of Delville Wood in Longueval, Department de la Somme.
Distinguished career
The diplomat was appointed to his French embassy role in February 2024, where he also served as permanent delegate to UNESCO. According to Daily Mail and Express, he additionally held the position of Ambassador to Monaco.
Mthethwa previously served as South Africa's Minister of Arts and Culture from May 2014 to 2019, before becoming Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture from 2019 to 2023. Between 2007 and 2022, he was a member of both the National Executive Committee and National Working Committee of the African National Congress.
His political career began in the ANC Youth League, where he served as organising secretary from 1994 to 2001. The ambassador's death represents a significant loss to South African diplomacy and politics.
Sources used: "Daily Star", "Mirror", "Daily Record", "Yorkshire", "Daily Mail", "Sky News", "Express"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
