Nathi Mthethwa’s Death Certificates Has Not Been Released

As of October 3, 2025, Nathi Mthethwa’s death certificate is not yet publicly available. His family is still waiting for the official certificate as French authorities complete the post-mortem and investigation into his death. The family expects to receive the official death certificate on Tuesday, October 7, and plans to repatriate his body later in the week.

• Death Certificate Delays: As of Friday evening, the death certificate for Ambassador Matetwa has not yet been obtained, with Dr. Buthelezi confirming no updates on resolving the technicalities.
• Expanded Investigation: Five South African Police Service (SAPS) investigators are traveling to Paris to join the existing French investigation. They are expected to arrive by Sunday morning and will be in Paris until next weekend, suggesting a thorough process.
• Scene of Death Sealed: The inner courtyard of the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, where Ambassador Matetwa’s body was found by a security guard, remains sealed by French investigators, even to hotel staff.
• Investigative Focus: The SAPS investigators plan to:
  • Visit the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, including the ambassador’s room, to examine the scene.
  • Potentially retrace the ambassador’s steps leading up to his death.
  • Review text messages he sent to his wife and Dr. Buthelezi, which reportedly indicated an intention to take his own life.
  • Analyze all CCTV footage gathered by French police.

Implications:

• Repatriation Delays: The ongoing difficulties in securing the death certificate and the broader, extended investigation by South African authorities are likely to impact the timeline for repatriating Ambassador Matetwa’s remains to South Africa. This prolongs the period before his family can proceed with funeral and mourning rites.
• Complex Inquiry: The involvement of both French and South African investigative teams, coupled with the detailed examination of personal communications and physical evidence, points to a complex and possibly lengthy inquiry into the circumstances of the ambassador’s death.