The South African ambassador to France tragically passed away after falling from the 22nd floor of a hotel following his disappearance. Emmanuel Nkosinathi Mthethwa was reported missing by his wife, who received a concerning message from him. His body was discovered at the Hyatt Hotel in Paris, where he had booked a room on the 22nd floor with a window that was forced open.

Initially, authorities searched for Mthethwa using dogs at a park in Paris where his phone last pinged, but he was not found. The police then extended their search to the woods in western Paris due to concerns of a possible suicide. Mthethwa had recently attended an event commemorating the Battle of Delville Wood in Longueval, Departement de la Somme.

Mthethwa, who had a distinguished political career, served as South Africa’s permanent delegate to UNESCO and held ministerial positions in the Arts, Culture, and Sports sectors. He was a prominent figure in the African National Congress and gained recognition for his anti-apartheid activism.

The South African government mourned Mthethwa’s death, describing it as a national loss, while French authorities initiated an investigation into the incident. The Paris judicial police launched an inquiry, with a duty magistrate and Mthethwa’s relatives being questioned by the authorities.

The South African embassy in Paris was unreachable following the tragic event. For those in need of support, the Samaritans hotline is available 24/7. An investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited from the authorities.