Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa; right is the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris
Source: Africa Publicity
The Ambassador of South Africa to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa has been found dead outside Hyatt Regency hotel in the west of Paris, with French media outlets reporting that he is believed to have killed himself.
Reports say his body was found at the foot of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Mthethwa, 58, had been reported missing by his wife on Monday, September 29, 2025, after she got a text message from him that concerned her, the prosecutor’s office in Paris reportedly stated.
The office noted that Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor.
According to the prosecutor’s office, a secured window was forced open.
He was believed to have killed himself, French media including newspaper Le Parisien reported. The media outlets did not cite a source.
President Cyril Ramaphosa took to his Facebook page to confirm Mthethwa’s “untimely passing”.
In his post sighted by Africa Publicity, the South African President said “The untimely passing of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa is a moment of deep grief in which government and citizens stand beside the Mthethwa family.”
Mr. Ramaphaso who appointed Mthethwa added that “Ambassador Mthethwa has served our nation in diverse capacities during a lifetime that has ended prematurely and traumatically.”
He said “In his last tenure of service he has facilitated the deepening of relations between South and the Republic of France, which has produced benefits for individuals and businesses in both countries and advanced our cooperation in the global arena”, saying “May his soul rest in peace.”
