South African Ambassador To France Found D£ad Outside Paris Hotel; French Authorities Launch Probe

South African Ambassador To France Found Dead Outside Paris Hotel; French Authorities Launch Probe

Mthethwa, 58, was found near the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Porte Maillot late Monday after his wife reported him missing, having received what she described as a “worrying message” earlier in the evening.

French authorities have opened an investigation into the sudden death of South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, who was discovered lifeless outside a hotel in western Paris.

Mthethwa, 58, was found near the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Porte Maillot late Monday after his wife reported him missing, having received what she described as a “worrying message” earlier in the evening.

His body was located hours later, French media outlets Le Parisien and Le Figaro reported.

Paris police have confirmed his death but declined to provide details about the circumstances. The police stated that the matter is under investigation.

A Hyatt hotel spokesperson and the South African Embassy in Paris both refused to comment when contacted by Reuters.

In a formal statement on Tuesday, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed the ambassador’s passing, describing it as a national tragedy.

“The Government of the Republic of South Africa announces with deep sorrow and profound regret the untimely passing of His Excellency Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to the French Republic,” the statement read.

“Ambassador Mthethwa was a distinguished servant of the nation, whose career was marked by dedicated service in critical ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Police and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture. He also served on the Board of Directors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee,” the statement continued.

The statement added: “The circumstances of his untimely death are under investigation by the French authorities. 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.

“We honour his legacy of unwavering patriotism and service to our nation.“

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said the loss would be deeply felt both at home and abroad.

“I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community,” Lamola said.

Mthethwa was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023, following years of service in government and the African National Congress (ANC).

His tenure as Minister of Arts and Culture from 2014 to 2019, later expanded to include Sports from 2019 to 2023, made him a prominent figure in South Africa’s cultural and sporting sectors before moving into diplomacy.

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