South Africa Confirms No Foul Play in Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa’s Paris Death
October 12, 2025 – South African authorities have stated that no signs of foul play have been found in the death of the country’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, though the official cause of his sudden death last month remains undetermined pending a final investigation.
The 58-year-old former cabinet minister was found dead on September 30, 2025, at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris, a tragic end that has stunned South Africa’s political and diplomatic communities .
🔍 The Investigation
According to French prosecutor Laure Beccuau, Mthethwa had reserved a room on the 22nd floor of the high-rise hotel. His body was discovered in the hotel’s interior courtyard by a security guard .
Investigators noted that the secured window in his room had been forced open—reportedly with a pair of scissors found at the scene—and there were no visible signs of a struggle . Initial toxicology tests have not indicated the presence of drugs or any forced involvement .
The case took a personal turn when it was revealed that Mthethwa’s wife had reported him missing after receiving a distressing message from him the previous evening. In that message, he allegedly apologized and expressed his intention to end his life . Despite this, South Africa’s International Relations Minister, Ronald Lamola, confirmed that “no signs of foul play have been found,” though the exact cause of death is yet to be officially determined .
👨💻 A Distinguished Career Cut Short
Nathi Mthethwa had a long and distinguished career in South African public service. He was appointed South Africa’s Ambassador to France in late 2023 .
Key Positions Held by Nathi Mthethwa :
Role Period
South African Ambassador to France 2024 – September 2025
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture 2019 – 2023
Minister of Arts and Culture 2014 – 2019
Minister of Police 2009 – 2014
Member of Parliament 2002 – 2023
His political career began early when he joined the anti-apartheid movement as a teenager. He was active in the ANC’s military wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe, during the struggle against apartheid and was arrested during the state of emergency in 1989 .
😔 Family Seeks Closure and a Nation Mourns
The ambassador’s family has stated that they will only find closure once they know the scientific cause of his death . Family spokesperson Sifiso Buthelezi, who identified the body in Paris, said, “What we are expecting from the report, we want to find the scientific outcome of what happened. That is all we expect” .
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow, describing Mthethwa’s death as “untimely” and “a moment of deep grief” . The South African government has dispatched a team of investigators to Paris to work closely with French authorities . President Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at Mthethwa’s funeral in KwaZulu-Natal .
The death comes at a time when Mthethwa’s name had recently surfaced in testimony at South Africa’s Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of political interference in policing and corruption . The circumstances surrounding his death have intensified scrutiny over these ongoing political controversies.
As the investigation continues, both French and South African authorities are working to provide answers to a grieving family and a nation in mourning.
