France’s ambassador to South Africa has confirmed that French authorities have formally closed their investigation into the death of former South African ambassador to France Nathi Mthethwa, concluding that he died by suicide on 30 September 2025. Image: Supplied/South African government on x
France’s ambassador to South Africa confirmed that French authorities closed their investigation into the death of former South African ambassador Nathi Mthethwa. The Nathi Mthethwa French investigation closed announcement confirms he died by suicide. Furthermore, the closure brings a formal end to a nine-month investigation that generated significant public debate and widespread misinformation in South Africa. As a result, the Mthethwa family now has an official finding from French authorities on the cause of his death.
Nathi Mthethwa French Investigation Closed: What Was Announced
France’s ambassador to South Africa confirmed that French authorities closed their investigation. The conclusion is that Mthethwa died by suicide. Furthermore, the formal closure means French authorities will not pursue the matter further. As a result, the finding that no third party was involved is now the official and final position of the French investigation.
The closure aligns with everything French authorities said from the start. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said within days of his death that initial investigations suggested a deliberate act without third-party involvement. Furthermore, a French government official told the Sunday Times in November 2025 that French police were “100% sure that the death was a result of suicide, and there is no foul play whatsoever.” As a result, the formal closure confirms that position rather than introducing a new finding.
What Happened on 30 September 2025
Mthethwa’s body was found in the courtyard of the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile hotel on 30 September 2025. He was 58 years old. His wife Philisiwe Buthelezi reported him missing on 29 September after receiving a message from him. In that message he apologised and said he intended to end his life. Furthermore, investigators found a secured window forced open with scissors at his 22nd floor room. As a result, his body was discovered by a security guard shortly after 11am.
Investigators found no signs of struggle at the scene. They found no evidence of drugs or medication either. Furthermore, French police walked the family through hotel records and CCTV footage to reconstruct his final hours. The ambassador had booked the room nearly two weeks before his death. As a result, the evidence consistently supported the suicide finding now formally confirmed.
Who Was Nathi Mthethwa
Nathi Mthethwa was born on 23 January 1967 in KwaZulu-Natal. He served as Minister of Police from 2009 to 2014. The Marikana massacre occurred during his tenure in August 2012. He later served as Minister of Arts and Culture and Minister of Sport. Furthermore, he represented the ANC in the National Assembly from 2002 to 2023. As a result, his appointment as South Africa’s ambassador to France in late 2023 represented a significant diplomatic posting for a veteran political figure.
His death came days after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged at the Madlanga Commission that Mthethwa had interfered in a criminal case during his time as Police Minister. That timing fuelled widespread conspiracy theories about foul play. Furthermore, fabricated videos and posts falsely claiming he was murdered circulated widely in October and November 2025. As a result, the formal closure of the French investigation is an important corrective to months of damaging misinformation.
The South African Investigation
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia initially planned to send five senior SAPS officers to France to assist. The team was later scaled back to one officer after talks between the two governments. That officer returned within a week and submitted a report to SAPS leadership. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed she could not disclose the report’s contents. Furthermore, a French government source told the Sunday Times that French investigators made clear they were more than capable of completing the inquiry alone. As a result, the French-led investigation proceeded and has now formally concluded.
The Family’s Position
The Mthethwa family consistently pushed back against conspiracy theories. Family spokesperson Musawokuphila Mthethwa said the family personally travelled to France to view the body, perform rituals and repatriate his remains. “Those who say it was not his body must tell us who did we bury,” he said. Furthermore, family spokesperson Sifiso Buthelezi confirmed that French police walked the family through hotel records and CCTV footage. As a result, the family has consistently accepted the French authorities’ account of events.
If you or someone you know is struggling please contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group on 0800 456 789. The line is free and available 24 hours a day.
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Editors Note The formal closure of the French investigation into the death of Nathi Mthethwa was announced by France’s ambassador to South Africa as reported on 8 July 2026. The finding that Mthethwa died by suicide is the official and final conclusion of the French investigation. Numerous claims circulating on social media about alleged foul play have been comprehensively debunked by Africa Check and multiple credible media organisations. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.