South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Porte Maillot, western Paris.

According to French media outlets Le Parisien and Le Figaro, his body was discovered after his wife raised the alarm when she received a troubling text message from him and subsequently reported him missing.

The 57-year-old diplomat had reportedly booked a room on the 22nd floor of the hotel. Paris prosecutors confirmed that a window in the room had been forced open. Early indications suggest that his death resulted from a fall, though investigations are still ongoing.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said it was “aware of the unfortunate reports” and expressed its “deep sorrow and profound regret” over the ambassador’s passing, describing it as a national loss.

Before his diplomatic posting, Mthethwa held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Arts and Culture from 2014 to 2019 and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture from 2019 to 2023. He was appointed Ambassador to France in 2024.

French police and prosecutors have declined to comment further while inquiries continue.