South Africa’s ambassador to France and former Cabinet minister, Nathi Mthethwa, allegedly left a suicide note for his wife before his body was discovered at a Paris hotel on Tuesday morning, 30 September, French authorities have confirmed.
According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, a security guard at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in western Paris found the 58-year-old diplomat’s body in the inner courtyard of the establishment.
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They said Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor about 10 days earlier.
French newspaper Le Parisien reported that on Monday evening, around 9.30pm, Mthethwa sent his wife a final “disturbing message,” apologising and expressing his intention to end his life.
Hours later, on Tuesday at around 11.10am, his body was discovered.
Investigators said the window’s safety mechanism in his room had been forced open with a pair of scissors, which were left at the scene.
They said no signs of a struggle or evidence of medication or drug use were found.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed that Mthethwa didn’t have a security detail at the time of his death.
“Ambassadors do not have security, they are only afforded drivers,” said Dirco Deputy-Director Clayson Monyela.
The Russian Embassy in South Africa expressed deep sorrow at the news, describing Mthethwa as a distinguished statesman and a person of deep integrity and compassion.
Parliament’s Presiding Officers, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and NCOP Chairwoman Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, said Mthethwa’s passing was a profound loss to the country.
“Over nearly three decades, he served the nation with distinction as Chairman of the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy, Chief Whip of the ANC, Minister of Police, and Minister of Arts and Culture, later Sport, Arts and Culture,” said Parliament spokesman Moloto Mothapo.
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“His tireless efforts to uplift young people, promote cultural identity, and strengthen democratic institutions will remain his enduring legacy.”
