*Secure Window To Hotel Room Forced Open
*Investigation Under Way
The South African Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa was found dead outside a high-rise hotel in Paris on Tuesday, 30 September, according to local authorities.
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the death of the 58-year-old Mthethwa near the 22nd floor Hyatt Regency hotel.
He was reported missing by his wife on Monday, 29 September, after she received a worrying text message from him, according to prosecutors.
Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency, and the secure window had been forced open, the Prosecutor’s Office said.
While Mthethwa was reported missing Monday, his corpse was discovered earlier on Tuesday at the Paris Hyatt Hotel.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office in Paris, the Ambassador’s wife reported him missing after indicating that she “received a worrying message from him in the evening,” The Mirror reported.
However, he was later found dead just above the Hayat Hotel. “He had booked a room on the 22nd floor, whose secure window was forced open.”
Police dispatched the canine brigade to the Bois de Boulogne, a Parisian park and botanical garden where Mthethwa’s phone last rang, but the dogs could not find him.
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office stated that the police, with the assistance of the dog squad, “had searched the woods in western Paris in fear of a potential suicide.”
South Africa Speaks
In a statement, the South African government through the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, wrote: “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.
“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.
“His lifelong commitment to public duty was further exemplified by his longstanding contribution to the African National Congress through its highest decision-making structures.
“In his diplomatic role, to which he was appointed in December 2023, Ambassador Mthethwa was tasked with strengthening the vital partnership and bilateral ties between South Africa and France.
“I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community.
“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.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Ambassador Mthethwa.
