‘Moment of deep grief’ — Ramaphosa on Mthethwa’s shocking death

Nathi Mthethwa

Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences following the sudden death of South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa.

In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Ramaphosa described Mthethwa’s passing as “untimely” and a “moment of deep grief” for both government and citizens, adding that the state stands with the Mthethwa family.

“Ambassador Mthethwa has served our nation in diverse capacities during a lifetime that has ended prematurely and traumatically,” Ramaphosa said.

Mthethwa, who previously held various senior government positions, was appointed South Africa’s envoy to France in 2023. Ramaphosa highlighted his role in strengthening bilateral ties, saying his work had delivered benefits to individuals and businesses in both countries while advancing cooperation on the global stage.

“May his soul rest in peace,” the president said.

Further details surrounding the circumstances of Mthethwa’s death have not yet been released.

The 58-year-old diplomat’s body was discovered outside the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, with reports suggesting he fell from the 22nd floor, though the circumstances remain unclear.

According to Mirror, Mthethwa was reported missing by his wife, “who indicated having received a worrying message from him in the evening”.

His body was later discovered nearby, just above the Hyatt Hotel.

“He had booked a room on the 22nd floor, whose secure window was forced open.”

The report said that police initially deployed dogs from the canine brigade to the Bois de Boulogne — a park and botanical garden in Paris where Mthethwa’s phone last pinged — but the dogs could not find him there.

“Fearing a possible suicide, the police, supported by the dog squad, had searched the woods in western Paris,” the Paris prosecutor’s office said.

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