South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, 58, was found dead on Sept. 30 outside the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile.
French prosecutors say he had been staying on the 22nd floor and that the window’s safety mechanism was forced; there were no signs of a struggle, and an investigation is ongoing. His wife had reported him missing the previous evening after receiving an apologetic message indicating suicidal intent, according to prosecutors.
South Africa’s foreign ministry confirmed his death and said French authorities are handling the probe. Mthethwa, a former police and culture minister, became ambassador in late 2023.