Possible Suicide Under Investigation: South Africa's Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, Found Dead in Paris Hotel

Nkosinathi Emmanuel "Nathi" Mthethwa, South Africa's ambassador to France and a former long-serving cabinet minister, was found dead at a Paris hotel on Tuesday. The Paris prosecutor has indicated that the death is being treated as a possible suicide, prompting a thorough investigation by French authorities.

Mthethwa, 58, a close associate of South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma, was discovered in the interior courtyard of the upscale Hyatt hotel, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

The ambassador had reserved a room on the 22nd floor of the hotel. According to prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the room's secured window had been forced open with a pair of scissors, which were found at the scene. This detail has become a focal point of the investigation.

Adding a tragic layer to the situation, Mthethwa's wife had seen him for the final time on Monday afternoon, when he was scheduled to attend a cocktail event. Later that evening, she received a message from him "in which he apologised to her and expressed his intention to end his life", according to prosecutor Beccuau's statement.

"Initial investigations suggest that this could have been a deliberate act, without the intervention of a third party," Beccuau stated, emphasising that the investigation would seek to collect all the details to fully understand the circumstances of Mthethwa's death.

Mthethwa had served as South Africa's ambassador to France since December 2023, marking a relatively short tenure in this diplomatic role.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences, calling Mthethwa's death "untimely" and describing it as "a moment of deep grief in which government and citizens stand beside the Mthethwa family". The President's words reflect the nation's sense of loss.

"Ambassador Mthethwa has served our nation in diverse capacities during a lifetime that has ended prematurely and traumatically," Ramaphosa said, highlighting the ambassador's extensive contributions to South Africa.

A South African ministerial statement confirmed that the circumstances of "his untimely death" are under investigation by the French authorities, indicating the seriousness with which both countries are treating the matter.

Mthethwa's career in public service spanned several decades and encompassed various significant roles. According to his embassy website, he served as South Africa's culture minister from 2014 to 2019, and then as minister for sports, arts, and culture until 2023. His commitment to these portfolios demonstrated his passion for South Africa's heritage and creative sectors.

Prior to his roles in culture and sports, Mthethwa served as the police minister from 2009 to 2014, a period marked by significant challenges in the fight against crime. He also held the position of security minister from 2008 to 2009.

In addition to his ministerial roles, Mthethwa served on the board of directors of the 2010 Football World Cup local organising committee, contributing to the successful hosting of this major international event in South Africa.

Between 2007 and 2022, Mthethwa was a senior official in the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party since the first post-apartheid democratic elections in 1994. His long-standing involvement with the ANC underscores his deep commitment to South African politics.

Mthethwa's history with the ANC dates back to the apartheid era, where he worked underground within the party's military wing. He was notably arrested during the state of emergency in 1989, highlighting his dedication to the struggle against apartheid. This background provides context to his later political career and his commitment to public service.

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