Experts urge parallel probe into Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa’s death in Paris
Members of the Judiciary Police arrive at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile Hotel at Porte Maillot in Paris, after South Africa's ambassador to France was found dead at the foot of the hotel on September 30, 2025
Image: AFP
South African authorities can take several steps to probe the death of Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel 'Nathi' Mthethwa, who died after allegedly falling from the 22nd floor of a Paris hotel, even though the primary investigation is being led by French prosecutors.
Interpol
Criminologist Thabang Bogopa told IOL that Interpol should take over the investigation.
"However, they should tie up with the investigation units of France but also go further and include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) because it is a high-priority offence to have a diplomat dying suspiciously in another country," Bogopa said.
He went on to say that it is worrisome that Mthethwa had protectors. "They should be at the forefront of guiding or advising as to what happened, and it must not just be accepted as suicide at face value. There must be a thorough investigation that takes happens.
"The embassies should also work together. It is very important that we allow law enforcement to get all the facts around this," he added.
This photograph shows the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile Hotel at Porte Maillot in Paris, after South Africa's ambassador to France was found dead at the foot of the hotel on September 30, 2025.
Image: AFP
Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act
Pretoria can use diplomatic channels to request full cooperation from Paris by invoking the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act.
This Act allows South Africa to formally request evidence, witness statements, autopsy reports, and other forensic material from foreign authorities for use in domestic investigations, conduct a parallel inquiry at home into the ambassador's recent activities, and order a second autopsy once his remains are repatriated.
Parliament
Parliament also has the power to demand accountability through oversight or a formal inquiry into Mthethwa's death.
This includes summoning the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) officials and law enforcement representatives to testify, reviewing evidence collected from French authorities, evaluating the adequacy of South Africa's response, and making recommendations to ensure transparency and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Such oversight mechanisms allow lawmakers to hold both government departments and diplomatic channels accountable, while keeping the public informed about the investigation into the Mthethwa's death.
Dirco confirmed Mthethwa's death in a statement: "The Government of the Republic of South Africa announces with deep sorrow and profound regret the untimely passing of His Excellency Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to the French Republic."
French investigators reported that the hotel's safety window had been forced open and that a message addressed to his wife was found, in which he allegedly apologised and expressed suicidal intent.
Authorities added there were no immediate signs of a struggle or toxic substances, but the investigation remains open.
President Cyril Ramaphosa sent condolences to the family. "The untimely passing of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa is a moment of deep grief in which the government and citizens stand beside the Mthethwa family. President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the Ambassador’s extended family," he said.
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