‘Truth, nothing more’: Family Demands Clarity After Ambassador Mthethwa’s Tragic Death

The sudden and tragic death of South African Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has left his family and the nation seeking answers. At 58, Mthethwa fell from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris on October 2, 2025, under circumstances that remain shrouded in uncertainty.

South Africa Sends Investigators to France

In a rare move highlighting the gravity of the case, South Africa’s acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, confirmed that a five-member team of seasoned investigators has been dispatched to Paris.

Leading the delegation is Major General Maqhashalala, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in the Western Cape. The team’s mandate is twofold: to assist French authorities and to provide the Mthethwa family with clarity during this difficult period.

The involvement of both nations underscores the sensitivity surrounding the incident, blending diplomatic protocols with criminal investigation procedures.

Family Speaks: Seeking Answers Amid Grief

From his home in Kwambonambi, Mthethwa’s brother-in-law, Khulekani Buthelezi, described the family’s commitment to uncovering the truth.

“We hope that, with a team of diverse skills, the outcome will be as expected: the truth, nothing more,” Buthelezi said.

He acknowledged the emotional toll on Mthethwa’s widow and close relatives:

“Family helps a lot, as difficult as it is for my sister. At the end of the day, it is what it iswhatever happened, we just want answers so we can have closure on this chapter.”

The family faces logistical challenges in repatriating the ambassador’s body. Buthelezi indicated that the autopsy, which must be approved by the family, is a prerequisite for returning Mthethwa to South Africa.

“From discussions with authorities in France, his body is promised to arrive by tomorrow,” he said.

French Authorities Keep the Family Updated

According to family spokesperson Sifiso Buthelezi, former deputy finance minister, French police have been maintaining communication with Mthethwa’s widow and family. They visited the ambassador’s official residence, providing updates on the investigation and returning his personal belongings.

A Diplomatic Loss Felt Nationwide

Mthethwa’s death has reverberated beyond his family, marking a sudden loss for South Africa’s diplomatic corps. While the details surrounding the fall remain under investigation, the family’s focus is resolute: transparency, facts, and closure.

As investigators from both nations work together, the nation watches, hoping that the outcome will provide the clarity the family desperately seeks. In a statement resonating with both grief and determination, Buthelezi reiterated:

“We would like to thank the government for this initiative… we just want the facts. Truth, nothing more.”

{Source: IOL}

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