The Paris prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the death of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, 58, under circumstances that have raised numerous questions.
Mthethwa was reported missing by his wife on Monday after she received a worrying text message from him, according to prosecutors. This prompted immediate concern and a search for the ambassador.
In a statement, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau detailed the initial findings. Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel, located on the western edge of the French capital.
Beccuau said that the room’s window had been forced open with scissors that were left at the scene. Mthethwa’s body was subsequently discovered in the hotel’s courtyard shortly after 11am by a security guard. The circumstances surrounding the discovery have led to a full investigation.
According to the New York Times, investigators found no signs of a struggle at the scene, nor any evidence that drugs or medication had been involved. This information has added to the complexity of the investigation.
“While initial investigations suggest that this may have been a deliberate act, without the involvement of a third party, the purpose of this investigation is to gather any information that may be useful in understanding what happened,” Beccuau stated. The investigation aims to explore all possibilities and uncover the truth behind Mthethwa's death.
Mthethwa's career in public service was extensive. He was appointed South Africa’s ambassador to France last year, marking his most recent role in government.
Before his ambassadorship, Mthethwa served as the police minister from 2009 to 2014. Following his tenure as police minister, he assumed the portfolios for Arts and Culture and later Sport, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to public service.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the Mthethwa family, describing his untimely passing as a “moment of deep grief.” The President's statement reflects the nation's sorrow at the loss of a dedicated public servant.
“In his last tenure of service, he has facilitated the deepening of relations between the South and the Republic of France, which has produced benefits for individuals and businesses in both countries and advanced our cooperation in the global arena,” Ramaphosa added, highlighting Mthethwa's contributions to international relations.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola also described Mthethwa’s passing as a “national loss,” underscoring the significant impact of his death on South Africa's diplomatic community.
It is worth noting that Mthethwa's career was not without controversy. He was recently implicated at the Madlanga Commission for alleged political interference during his time as police minister.
Furthermore, Mthethwa was reportedly on a list of witnesses to be questioned by Parliament’s ad hoc committee into alleged misconduct, collusion, and corruption within the police force. These allegations add a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding his life and death.
During the commission hearings, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi testified that Mthethwa had allegedly attempted to influence the Inspector General of Intelligence, Faith Radebe, to drop charges against Richard Mdluli, a former head of police crime intelligence. This specific allegation raises serious questions about potential abuse of power.
Mthethwa is one of three police ministers who have been implicated in political interference, as evidenced to the commission. This places his actions within a broader context of scrutiny and accountability.
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