French prosecutors are investigating the death of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, whose body was discovered at the foot of a high-rise Paris hotel.
Early findings from authorities suggest Mthethwa, 58, apparently fell from the hotel on Monday, hours after sending a “disturbing message” to his wife indicating he planned to take his own life.
Mthethwa began serving as South Africa’s envoy to France in December 2023. His long, high-profile career included stints as Police Minister and as the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture. As a young man, Mthethwa campaigned against apartheid and rose through the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC) party. He also served in the nation’s parliament and sat on the board of directors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup local organizing committee.
South Africa’s government praised him as “a distinguished servant of the nation, whose career was marked by dedicated service.”
