Former Minister Nathi Mthethwa reportedly falls to death in Paris
Paris Police confirm death of SA ambassador Nathi Mthethwa at 58
Katlego Sekhu
Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa’s ambassador to France and former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, has reportedly passed away at the age of 58.
This comes after reports from France revealed that authorities were searching for the former Minister of Police, who went missing on Monday afternoon in Paris.
According to French publication Le Parisien, police last tracked Mthethwa around 3PM near the Bois de Boulogne in the city’s 16th arrondissement. His body was later discovered at the Hyatt Hotel in Paris, where he is believed to have fallen from the 22nd floor.
French police have not ruled out suicide and had earlier deployed search teams, including dog units, to patrol the wooded area in western Paris.
Mthethwa’s disappearance was reported by his wife, who told authorities that she had received a concerning message from him on Monday evening.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that a search was launched fearing for his safety before his body was found.
Dirco’s advisory:
The report that Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to France, has gone missing in Paris is currently unconfirmed by official South African or French authorities.
The story was first reported by the French publication Le Parisien, which stated that Mthethwa was last seen on September 29, 2025, and that his mobile phone last registered activity near the Bois de Boulogne.
The Paris Police are reportedly investigating, with some speculation suggesting he may have taken his own life.
Given the serious nature of the allegations and the lack of official confirmation, the authenticity of this report remains uncertain. It is advisable to await an official statement from DIRCO or the South African Embassy in Paris for confirmation.
Mthethwa, who served as a cabinet minister from 2008 to 2023, was appointed as South Africa’s Ambassador to France in early 2024. He presented his credentials on February 29, 2024, and has been active in diplomatic engagements since then .
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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