Former sports minister Nathi Mthethwa found dead in Paris
Mthethwa’s body was found at a Paris hotel a day after he was reported missing by his wife.
South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has been founded dead at a Paris hotel.
According to a French publication Le Parisien, who first reported that he was missing, Mthethwa’s body was found on Tuesday at “right above the Hyatt Hotel”.
“The 58-year-old diplomat is believed to have jumped from the 22nd floor of the four-star hotel,” the news outlet reported on Tuesday afternoon, without providing any evidence.
After the news of Mthethwa’s death was reported, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) released a statement of condolences, adding that French authorities were investigating the “circumstances of his untimely death”.
“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,” DIRCO said in part.
Reported missing by wife Philisiwe Mthethwa
According to Le Parisien‘s report, Mthethwa was first reported missing by his wife Philisiwe Mthethwa, “who indicated having received a worrying message from him in the evening”, the publication reported that Paris prosecutor’s office as saying.
Paris police then deployed their canine unit to nearby woods, “fearing a possible suicide”.
Mthethwa’s background
Mthethwa, who served as sport, arts and culture minister from 2019 until he was removed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2023, was posted to France over a year ago in February 2024.
A member of Parliament since 2002, KwaZulu-Natal-born Mthethwa served in the National Assembly until 2023. From 2008 until 2014, Mthethwa served as minister of police in then-president Jacob Zuma’s Cabinet.
He became a member of the ANC’s national executive committee at the party’s Polokwane conference in 2007 and served on the body until 2022.