SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, was on Tuesday found dead outside a hotel in Paris after allegedly jumping from the building’s 22nd floor.

After being reported missing on Monday, Nkosinathi, 58, was found dead outside the Hyatt Hotel in Paris, prosecutors confirmed to the daily Le Parisien.

While it is believed that the 58-year-old diplomat might have jumped from the 22nd floor, an investigation has been opened.

His wife had reported him missing on Monday, who claimed to have received a disturbing message from him that evening.

Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa was posted to the French Embassy in February 2024, and was also a permanent delegate for South Africa in UNESCO.

South Africa’s minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola confirmed the death in a statement saying his death is a loss not only to South Africa, but international diplomatic community.