Family Rejects Suicide Claims In Nathi Mthethwa’s Death, “My Brother…Was Not A Coward”

The family of South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has strongly denied reports suggesting that he took his own life. Mthethwa, 58, died after falling from the 22nd floor of a Paris hotel on Tuesday, sparking widespread speculation.

Speaking outside the family home in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, his relative Khulekani Mthethwa said they believe there are unanswered questions surrounding the death of their brother.

“My brother would not have feared appearing in front of the Madlanga Commission to answer for any allegations against him. He was not a coward. As the family we dismiss any suggestion that he took his life to avoid going to the Commission,” Khulekani said.

He added that the family wanted clarity on the whereabouts of Mthethwa’s security detail from the time he went missing on Monday until his death was confirmed on Tuesday.

Calls for Full Investigation Into Circumstances

The family has appealed for French authorities and South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

Khulekani emphasized that Mthethwa was a man of courage who had “endured torture and all forms of brutality at the hands of the Apartheid police” and would not have ended his own life.

Although Khulekani confirmed he had spoken to Mthethwa twice on Monday, he declined to reveal the details of their conversations.

Mthethwa, a former Minister of Police and later Sports, Arts and Culture, was appointed Ambassador to France in December 2023 following a cabinet reshuffle by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Tributes From Government and ANC

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed sadness at Mthethwa’s passing, praising his role in strengthening South Africa–France relations.

“The untimely passing of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa is a moment of deep grief in which government and citizens stand beside the Mthethwa family,” Ramaphosa said.

The ANC also paid tribute, describing him as “a committed cadre of the liberation struggle and a dedicated servant of the people in our democratic era.”

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Meanwhile, the Madlanga Commission has yet to confirm whether Mthethwa would have been called to testify.

He was, however, expected to respond to testimony by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that Mthethwa interfered in police operations to protect former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli.

Mdluli, along with two former senior SAPS officials, is currently facing corruption, fraud, and theft charges relating to the police’s slush fund between 2008 and 2012.

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