On September 30, 2025, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to France, was found dead outside the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile hotel in the Porte Maillot district. The 58-year-old diplomat had been reported missing the previous evening after sending his wife a troubling message in which he apologized and expressed suicidal intentions. His body was discovered in the hotel’s inner courtyard by security personnel. French authorities confirmed that the window of his 22nd-floor room had been forcibly opened, and there were no signs of struggle or presence of drugs. The Paris prosecutor’s office is investigating, and initial reports suggest the possibility of suicide.
Mthethwa had a prominent and sometimes controversial career in South African politics. He served as Minister of Police from 2009 to 2014 and subsequently as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture until 2023. In February 2024, he was appointed Ambassador to France and South Africa’s permanent delegate to UNESCO. His tenure as police minister drew scrutiny over allegations of political interference and his role in the 2012 Marikana massacre. In recent years, he had also faced a judicial inquiry into corruption and interference within the criminal justice system.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow, calling Mthethwa “a committed servant of the people and a dedicated envoy for the nation.” The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) praised his work to strengthen South Africa-France relations. Colleagues in the diplomatic and political community expressed shock at the news, noting that he had remained active in recent weeks promoting cultural and economic cooperation between the two countries.
French authorities continue to probe the circumstances of Mthethwa’s death. While early findings indicate a possible suicide, investigators are keeping the inquiry open pending further forensic and procedural review. Officials in Paris and Pretoria have urged caution and patience until a comprehensive report is available, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness in cases involving high-profile diplomats.
The death of Ambassador Mthethwa has left a significant void in South Africa’s diplomatic community. International media have extensively covered the incident, and discussions have emerged on the pressures faced by political figures in overseas postings. While the investigation continues, South Africans are mourning the loss of a long-serving, complex, and influential statesman who had spent decades in public service and diplomacy.
