By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead outside a hotel in Porte Maillot, western Paris.
His wife had earlier reported him missing after receiving a “worrying message” from him, prompting police to launch a search.
French newspapers Le Parisien and Le Figaro reported the discovery on Tuesday.
Heritage Times HT reports that Paris police spokesperson declined to comment to newsmen, while calls to the South African Embassy went unanswered.
A Hyatt Hotel receptionist also told Reuters the establishment would not comment.
According to the embassy’s website, Mthethwa, 58, previously served as South Africa’s minister of arts and culture from 2014 to 2019, later overseeing the sports portfolio until 2023. He was appointed ambassador to France in February 2024.
South Africa’s foreign affairs department said it was “aware of unfortunate reports pertaining to Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa” and would issue a formal statement once there was official information.
Authorities confirmed his death outside the Hyatt Hotel following the missing-person alert, though the circumstances remain unclear.
Mthethwa was a prominent figure in South Africa’s cultural and sporting circles before his diplomatic posting.
