PROBE INTO NATHI MTHETWA S DEATH OFFICIALLY CLOSED

French Probe Into Nathi Mthethwa’s Death Officially Closed
PARIS — The French investigation into the death of South Africa’s late ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has officially been finalised and closed, bringing an end to the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.
South Africa’s Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, confirmed on 18 September 2026 that the Paris Prosecutor’s Office had concluded its matter and that the French authorities’ official finding reaffirmed the cause of death previously communicated by the Mthethwa family.
Mthethwa, 58, died in Paris on 30 September 2025 after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile.
French authorities had previously reported that there were no signs of a struggle in his hotel room. The secured window had been forced open, and investigators found no evidence indicating the involvement of another person. French Ambassador to South Africa David Martinon said the findings had been communicated to Mthethwa’s widow and that there would be no further investigation.
The closure comes after months of uncertainty over the status of the French inquiry. In August, South African officials had said that they had not yet received a final outcome from the French authorities, while two South African police officials had travelled to France on a fact-finding mission to facilitate cooperation.
Kubayi said the Justice Department had now received the documentation required by the Master of the High Court in relation to Mthethwa’s estate. The finalisation of the French matter allows the administration and winding-up of the estate to proceed.
The minister also urged members of the public and the media to refrain from circulating unfounded information about Mthethwa’s death and called for respect for the dignity of the late ambassador and his family’s right to privacy and closure.
Mthethwa served as South Africa’s ambassador to France from 2023 until his death. He previously served as Minister of Police and Minister of Arts and Culture.
With the Paris Prosecutor’s Office having finalised its investigation, the French matter is now officially closed.