SA Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa Dies in Paris After Madlanga Commission Bombshell
Nathi Mthethwa dies, days after implicated in the Madlanga Commission. (Kaya News)
by Mathipa Phishego
South Africa’s Ambassador in France, Nathi Mthethwa, has been found dead in Paris just days after being named in explosive testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
The 58-year-old former Cabinet minister reportedly fell from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile on Tuesday morning. French police have confirmed an investigation is under way. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said it would issue a formal statement once more information is available.
Mthethwa’s death follows damaging claims made at the Madlanga Commission earlier this month. Former acting national police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi testified that in 2011, while serving as Police Minister, Mthethwa pressured intelligence bosses to withdraw a corruption case against former Crime Intelligence chief Richard Mdluli.
Mkhwanazi accused Mthethwa of political interference and abuse of power, saying his efforts to prosecute Mdluli were blocked. Mdluli, in turn, was alleged to have looted a secret police “slush fund” for personal travel and luxury expenses between 2008 and 2012.
The commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025, is probing corruption and political meddling in the justice system. Mthethwa was one of the most prominent names to be implicated since hearings began.
Once a powerful ANC figure, Mthethwa previously served as Minister of Police, Minister of Arts and Culture, and later Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture before being deployed to Paris in 2024.
News of his sudden death has stunned South Africa’s diplomatic and political community. Opposition leaders and civic organisations have urged the Madlanga Commission to press ahead “without fear or favour”, despite Mthethwa’s passing.
The development has also triggered intense debate on social media. Some users insist the commission must continue to unearth the truth, while others expressed scepticism about the circumstances of his death.
“I’m still going to follow every moment of the Madlanga Commission,” one X user wrote. Another posted, “his body should be presented before the commission only then will justice be seen.”
French authorities are continuing their investigation, while South African officials scramble to confirm details. The Madlanga Commission is scheduled to resume hearings later this week, with more witnesses expected to testify about political interference in law enforcement.