Desk Report:
Mysterious death of South African ambassador to France
South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, was found dead in the basement of a high-rise hotel in Paris, the local prosecutor’s office confirmed to CNN on Tuesday (September 30).
According to the prosecutor’s office, Mthethwa had rented a room on the 22nd floor of a Hyatt hotel in Paris. Although the window of his room was secured, it was found forced open. Mthethwa’s body was later discovered in the basement of the hotel. The magistrate in charge was present at the scene.
The ambassador’s wife filed a missing person’s diary with police the day before. She said Mthethwa had sent her a “worrying message” after which he had not been found.
The Hyatt Group of Hotels and Hyatt Regency were contacted but have not yet commented.
South Africa’s foreign ministry expressed deep sorrow over the ambassador’s death in a statement. The statement said his death was not only a national loss but also a cause for mourning in the international diplomatic community.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said in a condolence message, “I have no doubt that his death is an irreparable loss for our country, as well as being deeply felt in the international arena.”
Mthethwa, 58, was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023.
