South Africa’s ambassador to France found dead at foot of Paris hotel tower
By Sky News, September 30, 2025South Africa’s ambassador to France has been found dead outside a high-rise hotel in Paris.
Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, 58, had been reported missing by his wife on Monday evening after she got a text message from him that concerned her, the prosecutor’s office in the French capital said.
It added that the ambassador’s body was discovered at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel in the west of the city.
Mr Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor, the prosecutor’s office said, adding that a secured window was forced open.
His death was called a “national loss” by South Africa’s foreign affairs department, which said the circumstances were under investigation by French authorities.
The department also said in a statement: “Ambassador Mthethwa was a distinguished servant of the nation, whose career was marked by dedicated service in critical ministerial portfolios.
He was South Africa’s minister of arts and culture from 2014 to 2019, adding sports to his portfolio from 2019 to 2023.
Mr Mthethwa had been minister of safety and security from 2008 to 2009 and minister of police from 2009 to 2014.
He also served on the board of directors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup local organising committee.
Mr Mthethwa was a member of parliament from 2002 to 2023.
The foreign affairs department said: “His lifelong commitment to public duty was further exemplified by his longstanding contribution to the African National Congress through its highest decision-making structures.”