Cape Town – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has confirmed that South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, did not have a protection detail at the time of his death in Paris.
Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri explained that ambassadors are not assigned personal security and that Mthethwa was alone when he died.
“Ambassadors don’t have protection detail because it’s not necessarily warranted in the scope of the work that they do. They are already monitored by their host ountry… they are in the care of their host nation,” he said during an interview with 702.
Mystery continues surrounding the death of former Police Minister and SA ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa.
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri speaks to Bongani Bingwa and adds that ambassadors do not have a security detail.
Full interview on https://t.co/cxKxGaWMin… pic.twitter.com/p3XECIkeWk
— 702 (@Radio702) October 1, 2025
French authorities have opened an investigation after his body was found in a hotel courtyard, with evidence suggesting a possible deliberate act, though no third-party involvement has been established.
The Government of the Republic of South Africa announces with deep sorrow and profound regret the untimely passing of His Excellency Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to the French Republic.https://t.co/8wZpEvPuzk pic.twitter.com/bKuaD9FHJJ
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) September 30, 2025
Mthethwa, who became ambassador to France in 2023 after serving in several ministerial roles, was described by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Ronald Lamola as a national loss.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
