South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was discovered deceased near the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris, according to French authorities. The 58-year-old diplomat had been reported missing by his wife on Monday evening following a concerning message from him. Mthethwa had reserved a room on the 22nd floor of the hotel, where a security window was found forced open. The Paris prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the unclear circumstances surrounding his death, with a duty magistrate dispatched to the scene. Mthethwa, a prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC), had been serving as ambassador since December 2023. He previously held significant roles in the South African government, including Minister of Police and Minister of Arts and Culture. A close ally of former President Jacob Zuma, Mthethwa was implicated in the state capture inquiry, which investigated allegations of high-level corruption during Zuma’s presidency. South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola praised Mthethwa as a ‘distinguished servant of the nation,’ emphasizing that his loss is deeply felt both nationally and within the international diplomatic community. Lamola confirmed that French authorities are actively investigating the incident.