South African ambassador to France dies after fall from Paris hotel

South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has died after falling from the 22nd floor of a hotel in Paris.

Authorities said his body was discovered in the hotel’s courtyard early Tuesday morning. Investigators confirmed that the sealed window of his room had been forced open. While initial findings suggest the act may have been deliberate, police have not ruled out other possibilities.

Mthethwa, 58, had been staying at the Hyatt Regency hotel in the Porte Maillot district. He was reported missing on Monday evening after sending a troubling message to his wife, apologizing and hinting at suicidal intent.

Just days before his death, the ambassador delivered a speech at a student event in support of Palestine, where he called for solidarity and dialogue on the ongoing conflict.

Appointed as South Africa’s Ambassador to France in December 2023, Mthethwa previously served in several high-profile government roles, including Minister of Police and later as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture. His time in office was marked by both high-level policy decisions and controversy, including allegations of interference in criminal investigations.

South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa described the news as “a national loss,” while the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said it will release a formal statement once all details are confirmed.

French prosecutors have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.