South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa Found Dead In Paris

News reports on September 30, 2025, indicate that South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has been found dead after being reported missing in Paris. Mthethwa, a former minister of police and sports, arts, and culture, was appointed as ambassador to France in February 2024. His death occurs shortly after his name was mentioned at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in South Africa, which is investigating political interference in law enforcement.

• According to French media, Mthethwa’s body was discovered at the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile hotel in the Porte Maillot area.
• Authorities are investigating the incident, but early reports suggest that Mthethwa died from a fall from the 22nd floor of the hotel.
• The search began after Mthethwa’s wife reported him missing to authorities on Monday, September 29, after receiving a concerning message from him.
• Police and a canine unit had conducted a search in the Bois de Boulogne , a park in western Paris, where his phone was last active.

• 1967: Emmanuel Nkosinathi Mthethwa was born near Durban.
• 1982–1990: Mthethwa was involved in anti-apartheid student activism and underground ANC activities.
• 1990: He was elected secretary of the ANC branch in Klaarwater after the party was unbanned.

• 2002: Mthethwa became a member of the National Assembly.
• 2008–2014: He served as Minister of Safety and Security, and later Minister of Police. This period included events like the Marikana massacre.
• 2014–2019: He was appointed Minister of Arts and Culture.
• 2019–2023: He served as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture under President Cyril Ramaphosa.
• 2023: He was removed from the cabinet and resigned from the National Assembly. 

• 2024: Mthethwa was appointed South Africa’s ambassador to France and permanent delegate to UNESCO.
• September 2025: Weeks before his death, allegations surfaced regarding his time as police minister.

• The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed it was aware of the reports and planned to issue an official statement.