South Africa has deployed a five-member team of senior police investigators to Paris to assist French authorities in the ongoing investigation into the death of the country’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, whose body was discovered in a hotel courtyard after a fall from the 22nd floor.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed that the delegation will collaborate closely with French investigators to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Mthethwa’s death.
According to officials, the 58-year-old diplomat had been reported missing by his wife a day earlier after she received a disturbing message from him. A French prosecutor told local media that the note contained an apology and appeared to indicate an intention to take his own life.
While speculation about possible foul play persists, early findings suggest that the incident may have been a deliberate act. Preparations are underway for the repatriation of Mthethwa’s remains to South Africa.
Mthethwa, a former police minister and close ally of ex-president Jacob Zuma, was a prominent political figure who had been named in several judicial inquiries over the years. He served as police minister during the 2012 Marikana massacre, in which 34 striking miners were killed, and was recently mentioned in testimony before the Madlanga Commission regarding alleged interference in police operations.
The Commission has not indicated whether it intends to summon him for testimony prior to his death.
Source:Africa Publicity
