South African Ambassador Nkosinathi Mthethwa Found Dead at Paris Hotel: Investigation Underway

South African ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel "Nathi" Mthethwa, was discovered deceased at the base of the Hyatt Regency hotel, a towering structure in western Paris, according to the Paris prosecutor's office.

The diplomat had been reported missing by his concerned wife on Monday evening after she received a worrying text message from him, as confirmed by the prosecutor's office in line with newspaper reports.

Mthethwa had reserved accommodation on the 22nd floor of the hotel. The prosecutor's office noted that a secured window appeared to have been forced open. The investigation continues, and officials stated they could not anticipate its conclusion.

Several French news outlets, including Le Parisien, suggested that Mthethwa may have taken his own life, though no sources were cited for this information.

South Africa's Department of Foreign Affairs has officially confirmed Mthethwa's death, noting that French authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

"Ambassador Mthethwa was a distinguished servant of the nation, whose career was marked by dedicated service in critical ministerial portfolios," stated the foreign affairs department, describing his passing as "a national loss".

According to the embassy's website, Mthethwa served as South Africa's Minister of Arts and Culture from 2014 to 2019, and later expanded his responsibilities to include sports from 2019 to 2023.