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The French capital is currently the scene of a somber investigation following the discovery of South Africa's ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, who was found deceased outside a Parisian hotel on Tuesday. French authorities are actively probing the circumstances surrounding his death, with initial inquiries pointing towards a potential suicide.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed in a statement that Ambassador Mthethwa had checked into a room on the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel, situated on the western periphery of the city. Investigators noted that the room's window had been pried open using a pair of scissors, which were subsequently recovered at the location. A hotel security guard discovered Mthethwa's body in the courtyard shortly after 11 a.m.
The ambassador's wife had alerted police Monday evening, expressing concern after receiving a message from him where he reportedly conveyed an apology and an intention to end his life. Beccuau also noted that the hotel room reservation had been made more than a week prior to the incident.
Further analysis of the scene by investigators revealed no indications of a struggle or the presence of illicit drugs or prescribed medication. While early findings suggest the death may have been a self-inflicted act without third-party involvement, Beccuau emphasized that the ongoing investigation aims to gather all pertinent information to fully comprehend the tragic event.
South Africa's Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged Mthethwa's passing and stated that the precise details of his death remain under thorough investigation. Ronald Lamola, South Africa's foreign minister, expressed profound grief, remarking that Mthethwa's loss is not only a national tragedy but is also deeply felt across the international diplomatic community.
Aged 58, Mthethwa assumed his role as ambassador to France in 2023, commencing his duties the following year. He was a distinguished and long-standing member of the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa's ruling political party. His career began at the tender age of 15, joining a youth movement dedicated to opposing the apartheid regime. He later became involved in the clandestine operations of the ANC when the white-minority government had outlawed it.
After the dismantling of apartheid in 1994, Mthethwa's political career flourished. He ascended through the ranks of both his party, serving on the ANC's highest decision-making body, the national executive committee, and the government, holding ministerial portfolios such as police, and later sport, arts, and culture, before embarking on his diplomatic mission in Paris.
The South African Foreign Ministry confirmed that Ambassador Mthethwa is survived by his wife and children.
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Originally published at: https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/south-african-ambassador-is-found-dead-in-paris/
