South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, has been found dead near the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris. French officials confirmed the discovery earlier today.

According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the 58-year-old diplomat had been reported missing Monday evening by his wife, after she received what was described as a troubling message. Investigators say Mthethwa had booked a room on the 22nd floor of the high-rise hotel. A security window in the room was found forced open.

Authorities stress that the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, and a full investigation is now underway. A duty magistrate has been assigned to the case.

Mthethwa was a long-serving political figure in South Africa, a senior member of the African National Congress, the party that ushered in democracy under Nelson Mandela in 1994. He previously held cabinet posts as minister of police and minister of arts and culture before assuming his diplomatic role in Paris in December 2023.

His political career was not without controversy. He was considered a close ally of former President Jacob Zuma and was mentioned during the state capture inquiry into alleged corruption during Zuma’s presidency.

In Pretoria, South Africa’s Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola, described Mthethwa as a “distinguished servant of the nation.” Lamola emphasized that the ambassador’s death is both a national tragedy and a loss felt within the global diplomatic community.

French authorities, along with South Africa’s foreign ministry, are continuing to investigate the ambassador’s sudden passing.

This is a developing story, and we will bring you more details as they emerge.

Reporting by Ehud Jones.