South Africa’s ambassador to France, Emmanuel Nkosinathi Mthethwa, has died after reportedly falling from the 22nd floor of his hotel room in Paris.
The diplomat was found dead on Monday near the Hyatt Regency Hotel at Porte Maillot, hours after he had been reported missing. Local police confirmed that his body was discovered outside the hotel, sparking an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Mthethwa, a career diplomat and senior envoy, had been serving as South Africa’s ambassador to France and was also accredited to Monaco. News of his sudden passing has been met with shock and sorrow in both Paris and Pretoria, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and officials who described him as a dedicated representative of his country.
French authorities have not released further details but are examining whether the fall was accidental or if foul play was involved. South Africa’s embassy in Paris has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria has confirmed the incident and said it is in close contact with the French government as well as Mthethwa’s family. Officials are expected to provide updates as inquiries continue.
Mthethwa’s death marks a tragic loss for South Africa’s diplomatic corps, coming at a time when the country has been deepening its relations with France and the European Union.
