WATCH | Family in shock: Why did Mthethwa book that hotel?

Nathi Mthethwa

Cape Town – Dr Sfiso Buthelezi, the brother-in-law of the late former South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has said that French authorities are still conducting a post-mortem on his body, which is in the government mortuary in Paris.

The 58-year-old Mthethwa was discovered dead on the morning of Tuesday, 30 September, following a fall from the 22nd floor of Paris’s Hyatt Regency Hotel.

According to The Citizen, Buthelezi said they expect the process to be completed by Monday or Tuesday, after which the body can be repatriated to South Africa.

He also noted that they do not know why Mthethwa booked the hotel, as his wife was unaware of any meeting he planned that day.

“There was no reason. When he left the residence, he said he was going to a meeting. In fact, Phili [Mthethwa’s wife] said I know the ambassador’s diary, and I don’t know this meeting that the ambassador is talking about,” the report quoted Buthelezi as saying.

“He made the booking for the 27th and the 28th, for two days. But he later changed those days to the 29th, which is a Monday, which is the day on which the ambassador booked into that hotel, which is the day on which the ambassador passed on.”

Buthelezi added that French authorities have not found any indications of foul play so far.

French authorities are investigating Mthethwa’s death, with no possibilities ruled out.

At the time of his passing, he did not have a security detail, Dirco said.

Some family members expressed unhappiness over how they were informed and have requested more information from the ANC and government.

The family expressed gratitude for public support and for the government and French authorities’ cooperation.

Mthethwa served in various ministerial roles, including minister of safety and security, police, arts and culture, and sports, arts and culture, before his tenure as ambassador.

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