BREAKING NEWS : The Mortal Remains of South African Ambassador to France to Arrive in SA Today Amid Questions Over Death
The mortal remains of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, is expected to arrive in the country today, after being found dead in a Paris hotel’s inner courtyard over a week ago. Mthethwa, 58, was discovered on September 30, with initial investigations pointing to a deliberate act and no evidence of outside involvement.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has accorded Mthethwa a special official funeral, scheduled to take place in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday. The funeral comes amid growing concerns over the circumstances surrounding Mthethwa’s death. Former Police Minister Bheki Cele described Mthethwa’s death as suspicious during a memorial service in Pinetown on Thursday.
Mthethwa’s family has refuted claims of suicide, which emerged after his wife received a message suggesting he intended to end his life. The family spokesperson, Khulekani Mthethwa, welcomed the South African police joining the French investigation to help clarify the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has been working closely with French authorities to facilitate the repatriation of Mthethwa’s body. The ANC has paid tribute to Mthethwa as a freedom fighter and disciplined public servant, with President Ramaphosa describing his death as a national tragedy.
