PARIS, Oct 1: South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, was found dead in the courtyard of a high-rise Paris hotel on Tuesday after telling his wife the night before that he intended “to end his life,” Paris’ public prosecutor said, according to CNN.
Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said Mthethwa’s wife reported him missing on Monday after last seeing him shortly before 4:30 PM, when he was scheduled to attend a cocktail party. She later received a message from him around 9:30 PM, in which he apologized and expressed his intention to take his own life, according to CNN.
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Mthethwa, 58, had booked a room on the 22nd floor of the Hyatt hotel about ten days earlier and checked in at 4:30 PM on Monday. His body was discovered the next day at 11:30 AM by a security guard in the courtyard below, according to CNN.
Beccuau said hotel staff noticed the window’s safety mechanism had been forced open, with scissors left at the scene. Investigators found no signs of a struggle or traces of medication or narcotics. While the death appeared self-inflicted, authorities are continuing their investigation to gather evidence “useful to understanding the facts.”
South Africa’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Mthethwa’s death “with deep sorrow and profound regret,” extending condolences to his family. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said, “I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute on social media, noting that Mthethwa had “served our nation in diverse capacities during a lifetime that has ended prematurely and traumatically.”
Mthethwa was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023. He previously served as a member of South Africa’s parliament and as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, CNN reported.
