South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, was found dead outside a Paris hotel on Tuesday in what French authorities are investigating as a possible suicide.
According to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the ambassador had booked a room on the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel, located on the western edge of the city. His body was discovered shortly after 11 a.m. in the hotel courtyard by a security guard.
Beccuau stated that scissors were found at the scene and appeared to have been used to force open the room’s window. No signs of a struggle or involvement of drugs or medication were identified.
Mr. Mthethwa’s wife had reported him missing on Monday evening after receiving a message from him in which he reportedly apologized and expressed intentions to end his life. The room had been booked more than a week in advance, according to investigators.
French police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
South African authorities have not yet issued an official statement.
