South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, was found dead outside the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile on 30 September 2025, after an apparent fall from the 22nd floor. French and South African authorities are investigating the circumstances of the 58-year-old diplomat’s death, with suspicions of suicide due to a forcibly opened window in his hotel room.
Mthethwa’s death comes days after he was named a witness in a parliamentary probe tied to explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
In July 2025, Mkhwanazi accused high-level officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, of colluding with criminal syndicates and interfering in investigations, such as political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. The claims prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system, alongside a parliamentary ad hoc committee investigation.
Mthethwa, who served as Minister of Police from 2009 to 2014, was implicated by Mkhwanazi for allegedly pressuring then-Inspector-General of Intelligence Faith Radebe in 2011 to drop corruption charges against former crime intelligence head Richard Mdluli. On 26 September 2025, the parliamentary committee added Mthethwa to its witness list, alongside figures like Ramaphosa and Ronald Lamola, to address these allegations. The Madlanga Commission, which began hearings on 17 September 2025, could also have summoned him.
Furthermore, on 29 September 2025, Mthethwa sent a concerning text message to his wife, who reported him missing that evening.
French police are investigating, with no official findings released as of 19:35 SAST on 30 September 2025. The timing of his death has raised questions given his impending testimony.
Mthethwa was appointed Ambassador to France in December 2023, following a career that included roles as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and over two decades in public service, including leadership in the African National Congress. His tenure as Police Minister faced scrutiny during the Zondo Commission into state capture, where his home renovations were linked to misuse of crime intelligence funds under Mdluli.
The South African Government and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed Mthethwa’s death and extended condolences to his wife, children, and colleagues. Investigations into the circumstances of his death continue.
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