South African Ambassador to France Nathi Mthethwa is not the first African representative to reportedly commit suicide in France under mysterious circumstances.
The 58-year-old tragically ended his life this week after allegedly jumping from the 22nd floor of his hotel room in Paris.
Hours earlier, the former minister texted his wife about his intentions. He also left behind a suicide note.. A motive has not been made public.
NOT JUST NATHI MTHETHWA: ANOTHER AMBASSADOR ENDS HIS LIFE
On the X platform, South Africans have been speculating about the details surrounding Nathi Mthethwa’s rumoured suicide.
Some have also brought up another African ambassador’s death in France.
In 2004, Nestor Kombot-Naguemon, the Central African Republic’s Ambassador to France, died in eerily similar circumstances to Mthethwa.
The diplomat reportedly flung himself from the sixth-floor balcony of his hotel room balcony, located in the 16th District.
Like Nathi Mthethwa, the politician was instrumental in his country’s fight for democratic elections. He was also a former minister and ambassador.
POLICE INVESTIGATING SUICIDE
In a statement, Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia announced plans to send five officials to France to assist in the investigation of Nathi Mthethwa’s death.
Major General Albert Maqhashalala, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in the Western Cape, will lead the team.
According to the minister, the deployed team will work closely with French law enforcement authorities to “ensure that the circumstances surrounding Ambassador Mthethwa’s death are thoroughly and transparently investigated”.
It added: “This collaborative effort aims to support the ongoing inquest and uphold the principles of justice and accountability”.
