The South African ambassador to France tragically passed away after falling from the 22nd floor of a hotel in Paris. Emmanuel Nkosinathi Mthethwa went missing and was found deceased at the Hyatt Hotel in Porte Maillot. His wife reported him missing after receiving a concerning message from him. Authorities discovered his body near the hotel, where his secure room window had been forcibly opened.
Initially, police deployed canine units to search the Bois de Boulogne park where Mthethwa’s phone last indicated his location. However, the search was unsuccessful. Following concerns of a possible suicide, law enforcement scoured the wooded area in western Paris with the help of the dog squad.
Before his untimely demise, Mthethwa attended the 109th Anniversary of the Battle of Delville Wood in Longueval, Departement de la Somme. He began his diplomatic career at the French Embassy in February 2024 and served as South Africa’s permanent delegate to UNESCO. Mthethwa held various ministerial roles in the Republic of South Africa, including Minister of Arts and Culture and Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture.
From 2007 to 2022, Mthethwa was a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC), contributing to the party’s decision-making processes. His political journey started in the anti-apartheid trade union movement, propelling him to prominence in South African politics.
The South African foreign affairs department mourned Mthethwa’s passing, describing it as a significant loss for the nation. French authorities are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The Brigade for the Suppression of Crimes Against Persons (BRDP) of the Paris judicial police is leading the inquiry, with a duty magistrate and Mthethwa’s relatives being questioned.
While French officials have refrained from commenting publicly on the incident, the South African embassy in Paris was unreachable as of Tuesday morning. An ongoing investigation is underway, emphasizing the need for answers in this tragic event.