South Africa has been plunged into grief following the death of its ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, whose body was discovered outside a Paris hotel in circumstances described by prosecutors as deeply concerning.
French authorities confirmed that the 58-year-old diplomat was found at the foot of the Hyatt Hotel on Tuesday. Investigators revealed that he had checked into a room on the 22nd floor, where the window “was forced open.” A duty magistrate was dispatched to the site to oversee the inquiry.
The day before, Mthethwa’s wife alerted officials that her husband was missing after she received what was described as a “disturbing message” from him.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation announced his death “with deep sorrow and profound regret,” offering condolences to his family.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said in a statement on Tuesday, “I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community.”
CNN reported that requests for comment from both the Hyatt Group and the Hyatt Regency had gone unanswered.
