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South Africa’s Ambassador To France, Found Dead At Paris Hotel

October 9, 2025

South African Ambassador to France Nkosinathi Emmanuel "Nathi" Mthethwa was found dead in the courtyard of the Hyatt hotel in Paris after sending a message to his wife expressing his intention to end his life. The 58-year-old diplomat had checked into a room on the 22nd floor of the hotel about 10 days prior, with his body being discovered by a security guard the morning after his wife reported him missing. Paris prosecutors noted the window's safety mechanism had been forced open with scissors and found no signs of struggle, medication, or narcotics, though an investigation will be conducted to understand the facts.

Who is affected

  • Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel "Nathi" Mthethwa's family, including his wife
  • South Africa's diplomatic corps and government
  • The international diplomatic community (as mentioned by Foreign Minister Lamola)
  • The Hyatt hotel in Paris where the incident occurred

What action is being taken

  • Law enforcement is conducting an investigation to gather evidence and understand the facts surrounding Mthethwa's death
  • South Africa's foreign ministry has issued a statement expressing condolences
  • Paris prosecutors are examining the circumstances of the death

Why it matters

  • Mthethwa was a high-ranking diplomat representing South Africa in France, appointed only in December 2023
  • He had served in multiple important government roles, including as a member of parliament and minister of sports, arts and culture
  • His death represents what President Ramaphosa called a "premature and traumatic" end to his service to South Africa
  • The Foreign Minister characterized his passing as "a national loss" that impacts the international diplomatic community

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint