“I Know His Diary, But Not This Meeting”: Nathi Mthethwa’s Wife Questions 2 Days Hotel Booking

Former South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was found dead on Tuesday, 30 September, after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris. The 58-year-old’s death remains under investigation by French authorities, who are exploring all possibilities, including foul play.

Dr Sfiso Buthelezi, Mthethwa’s brother-in-law, told The Citizen that the body remains in the French government mortuary.

“They must still do the autopsy. They said they think by Monday, at the latest, Tuesday, they’ll finish their processes, and they can hand the body over to us. Then we must start the process of repatriating the remains back home,” he said.

Mystery Surrounds Hotel Booking

Questions are emerging about why Mthethwa stayed at the Paris hotel. “There was no reason. When he left the residence, he said he was going to a meeting. In fact, Phili [Mthethwa’s wife] said I know the ambassador’s diary, and I don’t know this meeting that the ambassador is talking about,” Buthelezi said.

Mthethwa initially booked the hotel for 27 and 28 September but later changed the reservation to 29 September. That was the day he checked in and the day he tragically passed away.

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So far, investigators have not found evidence suggesting foul play. “There is nothing that suggests to them (French authorities) that there could have been any foul play for now. So they came, they brought his jacket and the cap that he was wearing on that day,” said Buthelezi.

However, reports indicate that the secured window in Mthethwa’s 22nd-floor room had been forced open using a pair of scissors discovered at the scene.

Nathi’s 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.

Investigation is still ongoing.

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