President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly granted an official funeral for South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, following his tragic death in Paris last week.
Mthethwa, the former Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, died after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel in western Paris. He was 58 years old. French authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to reports from Wednesday afternoon, preparations for Mthethwa’s funeral are now underway. His body is expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, with his burial scheduled for Sunday in his hometown of KwaMthethwa, KwaZulu-Natal.
Police Cooperation and Investigation
Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has adjusted its plans to assist French authorities in investigating the ambassador’s death.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, speaking during the SAPS Safer Festive Season operations launch in Bloemfontein, confirmed that the delegation of investigators originally set to travel to France has been reduced from five officers to one senior official.
“With regard to sending a delegation to France, we are working on police-to-police cooperation. We do have a senior officer that is working in that country,” said Masemola.
He explained that the senior officer would act as a liaison, not as an active investigator, and would receive updates and reports directly from French authorities.
“It’s not as if they will send us a report and leave it there. The late ambassador was representing South Africa and the president abroad, so it is our duty to ensure that we liaise directly with our counterparts,” Masemola added.
He said the officer was expected to depart on Tuesday and would keep both SAPS and DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation) informed of any developments.
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
Masemola emphasised that the move was aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability, particularly given Mthethwa’s high-profile position.
“When a citizen — especially one representing the president — dies overseas, it’s our responsibility to treat the matter with urgency and openness,” he said.
He also noted that such police cooperation between countries was standard practice in cases involving public officials or diplomatic representatives.
“It’s fairly routine for police services in different jurisdictions to cooperate in such circumstances. That’s all that has happened here,” Masemola explained.
A Legacy of Public Service
Nathi Mthethwa, a long-serving African National Congress (ANC) member and former Minister of Police, was appointed Ambassador to France in 2023. His death has been met with widespread shock and sadness across South Africa, with tributes pouring in from political figures, artists, and citizens alike.
The official funeral underscores Mthethwa’s significant contribution to the country’s public life and international representation.
As investigations continue, the South African government has assured the public that updates will be shared once formal reports are received from French authorities.
