SOUTH AFRICA'S ambassador to France and former Arts and Culture Minister Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, has allegedly died after a fall from a Paris hotel, according to reports by French publication Le Parisien.
Mthethwa allegedly went missing on Monday, 29 September, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.
The Paris prosecutor's office told the publication his disappearance was reported by his wife, who said she had received a worrying message from him that evening.
The media outlet claims his body was found on Tuesday, 30 September, above the Hyatt Hotel at Porte Maillot, after reportedly falling from the 22nd floor.
An investigation has been opened and is being handled by the Brigade for the Repression of Crime against Persons of the Paris judicial police, with a magistrate sent to the scene.
According to the report, police last tracked Mthethwa's phone around 3pm on Monday near the Bois de Boulogne, prompting search teams, including dog units, amid fears of a possible suicide.
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Mthethwa (58) was appointed South Africa's ambassador to France in February 2024 and also served as Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
He rose through the ANC Youth League, served in Parliament from 2002, and held positions as Minister of Safety and Security, later Minister of Police, and then Minister of Arts and Culture.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) spokesman Chrispin Phiri said: "We are aware of unfortunate reports pertaining to Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa. We will issue a statement once there is official information."
The circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The ambassador's death comes amid reports of controversy from his past in South African politics.
KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told the media Mthethwa allegedly interfered in the corruption case against Richard Mdluli, the former head of Crime Intelligence.
Mdluli was accused of misusing the police's secret slush fund between 2008 and 2012, including funding private trips and using police safe houses for personal purposes. Mkhwanazi, then acting police commissioner, attempted to prosecute Mdluli but says he was blocked by political interference.
He alleges that in 2011, Mthethwa influenced former Inspector-General of Intelligence, Faith Radebe, to withdraw a letter of prosecution against Mdluli, effectively halting the case.
Dirco has since released a statement following Mthethwa's passing announcement
"It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the untimely passing of His Excellency Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, South Africa's Ambassador to the French Republic," read the statement.
Dirco spokesman Chrispin Phiri said circumstances surrounding Mthethwa's death are under investigation by French authorities.
"The government of South Africa extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Ambassador Mthethwa, and to his friends and colleagues during this period of immense grief," said Phiri.
Mthethwa, was described as a distinguished servant of the nation, who served in key ministerial positions.
"He also served on the Board of Directors for the 2010 Fifa World Cup Local Organising Committee. His lifelong commitment to public duty was further exemplified by his longstanding contribution to the African National Congress through its highest decision-making structures," said Dirco Minister Ronald Lamola.
"I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community," he said.
