The family of the late Nathi Mthethwa has been instructed to “fetch his spirit” in France after his alleged suicide, as is customary in the Zulu culture.
The 58-year-old – the South African ambassador to France – 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.
NATHI MTHETHWA’S FAMILY TO ‘FETCH HIS SPIRIT’
Speaking to the media this week, Nathi Mthethwa’s brother, Khulekani Mthethwa, revealed that plans were underway to repatriate his sibling’s body to South Africa.
He also claimed that, in line with a Zulu custom called “ukulanda umoya,” a representative was en route to “fetch” the late ambassador’s “spirit” from the place of his death.
Mthethwa is believed to have jumped from the 22nd floor of his hotel room at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris, France.
His body was found on the pavement below.
Traditional healer Nobantu Sithathu, known as “Gogo Nkonjane,” told IOL: “It’s important that the spirit is fetched from the place where the person passed away. A person is more than just a body – they are a spirit”.
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According to the traditional healer, a deceased person’s spirit needs to be brought home, where it can rest in peace.
She continued: “They will perform a ritual at the place where he died, to let his spirit know it’s being taken from the place where it left his body.
“From there, it will be guided to the mortuary, then brought home to the family. And finally to his burial place”.
SUICIDE OR SOMETHING MORE SINISTER?
Meanwhile, Nathi Mthethwa’s family has welcomed news that Minister of Police Feroz Cachalia will be sending a group of top cops to investigate the ambassador’s death.
His brother Khulekani said, “We are happy with the deployment because we have unanswered questions. If there is a team of investigators deployed to France, it is what the family needs. As this might give us complete information.
“If you have lost a family member, finding the truth is not about trusting or not trusting a person. But we want to get the truth as to what happened.”
According to French authorities, no foul play is suspected in Nathi Mthethwa’s death.
Police revealed that a pair of scissors was found inside Mthethwa’s hotel room on the 22nd floor, reportedly to pry open the sealed windows.
His wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, told the media that the family was “not contesting” the preliminary investigation’s findings.
