South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, 58, was found dead at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris on Tuesday, hours after his wife reported him missing.
According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor of the hotel, where a secure window was found forced open.
The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation, with some sources suggesting he may have taken his own life due to struggles with depression.
Mthethwa was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023 and had previously served as South Africa’s Minister of Arts and Culture and Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expressed deep sorrow and regret over Mthethwa’s passing, describing it as a national loss felt within the international diplomatic community.
