No final outcome yet in French probe into Nathi Mthethwa’s death, Cachalia says

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has told Parliament that no final outcome has been communicated in the French investigation into the death of South Africa’s late ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa.

Who carried out the probe

Cachalia said the investigation was conducted by French authorities because the incident occurred in France. “The investigation into the death of the late South African Ambassador to the French Republic was conducted by the French authorities, as the incident occurred within their jurisdiction,” he told MPs.

SAPS involvement and parliamentary question

The minister’s response followed a question from ActionSA MP Dereleen James, who asked for the official outcome of the investigation and whether the South African Police Service had sent a team to France to assist.

Cachalia said: “At this stage, no final outcome has been communicated in respect of the investigation.” He also said: “The South African Police Service did not deploy any investigators to the French Republic in relation to this matter.”

Fact‑finding mission instead of investigators

Instead of deploying investigators, Cachalia said two SAPS members were authorised to travel to the French Republic on a fact‑finding mission and to facilitate cooperation with the relevant French authorities regarding the investigation.

The travel and related costs were administered through the Interpol budget. Cachalia said the estimated costs recorded in the memorandum, including an addendum, amounted to R164,812.17, while the actual cost of the trip for the two SAPS members was R124,227.71. He said: “The actual costs for two members amounted to R 124,227.71.”

Legal cooperation agreed

Cachalia said the engagement between South African and French authorities resulted in agreement that a process of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) should be pursued through the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. “The engagement between the South African and French authorities resulted in agreement that a process of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) should be pursued through the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development,” he said.

What is publicly known about Mthethwa’s death

The source records that Nathi Mthethwa, 58, was found dead after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris on September 30, 2025, and that French authorities subsequently investigated the circumstances surrounding his death.

No final outcome in the French probe has been publicly communicated, according to Cachalia’s parliamentary response.