Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, South Africa’s ambassador to France, was found dead in Paris early Tuesday, 30th September 2025, in what French authorities are investigating as a suspicious fall.
His body was discovered at the foot of the Hyatt Regency high-rise hotel in the Porte Maillot district.
According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor. The office said a secured window in that room had apparently been forced open.
The ambassador’s wife reported him missing late Monday. She told authorities she had received a “worrying message” from him.
French police are treating the case as open and are investigating all possibilities including accident, self-harm, or foul play.
Background and Career
Mthethwa, aged 58, had previously held several high-profile roles in South African politics. He served as Minister of Police, then as Arts & Culture Minister, and later the combined Sports, Arts & Culture portfolio.
In 2024 he was appointed ambassador to France and concurrently served as South Africa’s permanent delegate to UNESCO.
Earlier this month, parliamentary testimony emerged tying him to allegations of interference in corruption and political assassination investigations, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, where political violence has been a chronic issue.
His tenure as police minister overlapped the 2012 Marikana massacre, in which police shot dead striking miners. That event remains a major stain in South African public memory.
South Africa’s take
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation expressed profound regret over the death and said it was liaising closely with French authorities.
Paris police declined to comment publicly on the investigation.
A magistrate and investigators have reportedly visited the hotel and are examining forensic evidence, interviewing hotel staff, and reviewing surveillance footage.
The case remains unresolved. Authorities say they will only draw conclusions once all evidence is evaluated.
