South Africa is mourning the sudden death of its ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, who was found dead outside a Paris hotel under troubling circumstances, French prosecutors confirmed.
Authorities in Paris said Mthethwa’s body was found at the base of a Hyatt Hotel on Tuesday. Investigators noted that he had reserved a room on the 22nd floor and that the window of the suite “was forced open.” A duty magistrate was immediately dispatched to the scene.
The diplomat’s wife had reported him missing the previous day after receiving what officials described as a “disturbing message” from him.
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South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed his death “with deep sorrow and profound regret,” extending condolences to his family.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, in Tuesday’s statement, reflected on the devastating loss. “I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community,” he said.
CNN reported that it had contacted both the Hyatt Group and the Hyatt Regency but received no response.
Mthethwa, 58, had only recently taken up the ambassadorial post in December 2023, representing South Africa in one of Europe’s key capitals.
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