Uncertainty continues to surround the sudden death of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, whose body was discovered earlier this week at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris.

Both French and South African authorities are working to establish the precise circumstances that led to his passing, but so far, many questions remain unanswered.

According to French prosecutors, Ambassador Mthethwa’s body was found on Tuesday after a brief search was launched when his wife raised concerns.

She had reportedly received a text message from him on Monday that caused her immediate alarm.

When he could not be located, authorities began tracing his last movements, which ultimately led to the hotel in central Paris where he had been staying.

Investigators say that the ambassador appeared to have fallen from the 22nd floor of the building.

While one prosecutor described the incident as a “deliberate act without third-party intervention,” officials have also stressed that the investigation remains active and that every possible explanation will be considered.

No final conclusions have been drawn.

The discovery of scissors inside the hotel room and reports that the window had been forced open added further complexity to the case.

His phone, found some distance from the hotel, has become a key part of the investigation, with authorities now analyzing communications and CCTV footage to piece together his final hours.

The news has shocked both the diplomatic community and the South African public.

Ambassador Mthethwa, who was appointed in late 2023 and formally took up his post in 2024, was well known and well respected in Paris.

In the days leading up to his death, he had been visibly active in his role, attending a World War I commemoration involving South African troops and taking part in UNESCO engagements.

His sudden passing has left colleagues and observers stunned.

The South African embassy in Paris has been plunged into mourning.

Tributes have poured in from diplomats and government officials alike, while staff have been left grappling with both grief and the logistical challenges of continuing official business.

President Cyril Ramaphosa described the ambassador’s death as “tragic” and extended condolences to his wife and family.

French authorities are expected to present their findings to both the South African government and Mthethwa’s widow before releasing further details publicly.

In the meantime, preparations are being made to repatriate his body to South Africa, where official arrangements will be overseen by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

International media coverage has reflected both sympathy and uncertainty.

Some outlets have cautiously echoed the prosecutor’s early suggestion of a deliberate act, while others have highlighted the absence of conclusive evidence, noting that speculation at this stage remains premature.

French investigators, known for their thoroughness, are reportedly examining not only the hours immediately before his death but also his broader state of mind in the days leading up to it.

Interviews with colleagues, family, and embassy staff are underway, alongside a review of hotel surveillance footage.

What remains clear is the profound shock his death has caused.

For South Africa, it marks the loss of a seasoned political figure who once served as Police Minister and Minister of Arts and Culture before taking on the ambassadorial role.

For France, it represents the unexpected departure of a diplomat who had been active in strengthening bilateral ties.

As investigations continue, both governments and the late ambassador’s family have appealed for patience and sensitivity, stressing the need to await official findings rather than lean on speculation.

For now, the tragic circumstances surrounding Nathi Mthethwa’s final hours remain a mystery — one that authorities on both sides are determined to resolve.