South Africa has dispatched a five-member elite investigative team to Paris following the sudden and controversial death of its ambassador to France,Nathi Mthethwa.
The 58-year-old former cabinet minister was found dead last Tuesday (30 Sept) morning after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile. Led by Major General Bongani Maqashalala,the SAPS officers will collaborate with French authorities to determine whether Mthethwa’s death was a suicide or involved foul play. While a note reportedly sent to his wife hinted at suicidal intent,some close to him question this,citing his upbeat demeanor at recent public events. Police Minister Firoz Cachalia emphasized transparency and cooperation,saying,“The deployment of these investigators reflects our commitment to ensuring that every effort is made to establish the full facts surrounding this tragedy.”
Mthethwa,a long-serving ANC figure and former Minister of Police,had recently faced renewed scrutiny over past conduct. Just weeks before his death,damning testimony at the Madlanga Commission accused him of political interference during his time in office. His name was also linked to the misuse of police intelligence funds during the State Capture inquiry. Despite these controversies,his death has shocked the nation. Mthethwa’s family awaits final repatriation arrangements as investigators comb through surveillance footage and records. Officials at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) have urged patience,while South African authorities maintain that justice and accountability remain paramount in this high-profile international probe.
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