Keypoints:
- Ambassador Mthethwa found dead in Paris
- French prosecutors confirm inquiry opened
- South Africa pledges full cooperation
SOUTH Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, has been found dead in Paris. French prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday that the 58-year-old diplomat’s body was discovered outside the Hyatt Hotel in central Paris.
Mthethwa, who had been reported missing on Monday, was identified by authorities after the discovery. His sudden death has prompted a formal investigation in France.
Reports of fall from hotel
French daily Le Parisien reported that Mthethwa may have fallen from the 22nd floor of the hotel. However, prosecutors have not confirmed the exact circumstances, stressing that enquiries are ongoing.
An official statement from prosecutors said simply: ‘An inquiry has been opened to determine the cause of death.’ No further details were provided.
South Africa confirms cooperation
In Pretoria, South Africa’s government expressed shock at the news and pledged to work closely with French authorities.
‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ambassador Mthethwa. The government is committed to cooperating fully with French investigators to ensure that all circumstances surrounding his death are clarified,’ the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said in a statement.
The ministry added that further information would be released once investigations progress.
Tributes and shock
Although no official tributes have yet been published by South Africa’s diplomatic corps in Paris, news of the death has drawn widespread attention in both countries. South Africans living in France have shared messages of condolence on social media, reflecting the shock felt within the expatriate community.
Colleagues in Pretoria described the announcement as devastating, noting that the ambassador had been due to attend official functions later this week.
A senior diplomatic post
Mthethwa was serving as South Africa’s official representative to France at the time of his death. The posting is one of the country’s most senior diplomatic assignments in Europe, covering not only bilateral relations with France but also engagements with international organisations based in Paris.
As ambassador, Mthethwa had responsibility for overseeing consular matters, supporting South African citizens abroad, and managing diplomatic exchanges between Pretoria and Paris.
Investigation continues
French prosecutors said the case will be treated with full seriousness. The investigation will examine the circumstances of Mthethwa’s disappearance on Monday, his final known movements, and the events that led to his death outside the hotel.
Police have not released information on whether CCTV footage or witness testimony has been gathered. Officials said they will provide updates when results are available.
Pretoria awaits answers
In the meantime, the South African government said it would provide support to Mthethwa’s family and embassy staff in Paris. DIRCO has not given details about interim arrangements for the embassy, which continues to operate during the investigation.
Both South African and French authorities have appealed for patience while the inquiry proceeds.
