PARIS, FRANCE – The South African ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, was discovered dead outside a Paris hotel, leaving behind a message for his wife indicating his intention to end his life, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
Mthethwa’s body was found on Tuesday in the courtyard of the Hyatt hotel, where he had booked a room on the 22nd floor. His wife had reported him missing the previous evening after receiving a message from him apologizing and expressing his intentions, prosecutor Laure Beccuau said.
Initial findings suggest that Mthethwa’s death was a deliberate act with no third-party involvement. The investigation will continue to gather further details, Beccuau added.
The safety mechanism of a window in Mthethwa’s room had been forcibly opened with scissors, but investigators found no evidence of a struggle or presence of drugs.
Mthethwa, 58, had served as ambassador since December 2023. His career included significant roles such as South Africa’s Minister of Police and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed profound sorrow over Mthethwa’s passing, describing it as a “moment of deep grief” for both the nation and the Mthethwa family. Ramaphosa highlighted Mthethwa’s dedicated service in various governmental roles.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed his death, acknowledging his distinguished career and service to the nation. They noted that French authorities are investigating the circumstances of his death.
Mthethwa’s contributions included serving on the board of the 2010 FIFA World Cup local organizing committee and holding senior positions within the African National Congress (ANC) from 2007 to 2022. He was also a member of the ANC’s military wing and was detained by the apartheid regime in 1989.