Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa's ambassador to France and a prominent former cabinet minister, has been found dead at the age of 58 at a hotel in Paris. French authorities have confirmed his death and launched an investigation into the circumstances, with initial reports suggesting a suspected suicide. Mthethwa's body was discovered on Tuesday at the foot of the Hyatt Regency hotel in the western part of the French capital, directly below the 22nd floor, where he had booked a room. French media reports indicated that a secure window in his room on that floor was found "forced open."

The diplomat's wife had reported him missing on Monday after receiving a "worrying message" from him the previous evening. This prompted a frantic search by authorities, who initially tracked his mobile phone to the Bois de Boulogne in western Paris. Canine units were deployed amidst concerns that he might have taken his own life. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the discovery and the ongoing investigation, which is being led by the Brigade for the Suppression of Crimes Against Persons (BRDP) of the Paris judicial police. A duty magistrate was also dispatched to the scene.

Mthethwa was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023 and took up his posting at the French Embassy in February 2024. He also served as South Africa’s permanent delegate to UNESCO. In his diplomatic capacity, Ambassador Mthethwa was tasked with strengthening the vital partnership and bilateral ties between South Africa and France.

Mthethwa had a long and distinguished political career in South Africa. He began his political journey in the anti-apartheid trade union movement, rising to prominence as organising secretary of the ANC Youth League in 1994. He became an MP in 2002, later chairing the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy. His executive roles included serving as Minister of Safety and Security under President Kgalema Motlanthe in 2008, and subsequently as Minister of Police in President Jacob Zuma’s administration from 2009 to 2014. Following this, he was appointed Minister of Arts and Culture from 2014 to 2019, and then Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture from 2019 until he was dropped from cabinet in 2023. He remained a central figure in the African National Congress (ANC) for over two decades, serving as a member of its National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC). Mthethwa was also implicated during the Zondo inquiry into state capture for allegedly interfering, while police minister, in the decision to prosecute former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Johan Booysen.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed Mthethwa’s death "with deep sorrow and profound regret," extending condolences to his family. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola commented that his passing is "not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community." Mthethwa’s sudden death is expected to send shockwaves through political and diplomatic circles both domestically and internationally. The incident has also raised renewed concerns about the mental health pressures faced by diplomats and public servants, particularly those in high-stakes roles in foreign nations. Support services are anticipated to be made available to embassy staff, and French authorities have reiterated their commitment to a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.