Nathi Mthethwa: Former Ambassador’s Remains Released for Repatriation From Paris to South Africa

Nathi Mthethwa: Former Ambassador’s Remains Released for Repatriation From Paris to South Africa

  • The family of Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa has provided details about when his remains will be repatriated
  • Mthethwa’s brother-in-law, Dr Sfiso Buthelezi, confirmed that authorities had concluded the post-mortem
  • Dr Buthelezi also shared his traumatic experience of seeing the former Ambassador's remains
Nathi Mthethwa's remains will be repatriated to South Africa
Nathi Mthethwa's family have provided a timeline for when his remans will be repatriated to South Africa. Image: Jeffrey Abrahams
Source: Getty Images

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

PARIS, FRANCE – Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa’s body is set to be repatriated this week, with his family hoping to be back in South Africa by Friday, 10 October 2025.

The South African Ambassador to France was found dead one week ago, on 30 September 2025, a day after he was reported missing by his wife, Philisiwe. His body was found in the inner courtyard of the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile Hotel, with police reportedly suspecting that he forced open a window of his hotel room on the 22nd floor and jumped to his death.

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With French authorities now concluding all investigations involving his mortal remains, the procedure to repatriate the former South African Minister of Police will begin.

When will Mthethwa’s body be brought back to South Africa

Speaking to the media on Monday, 7 October 2025, Mthethwa’s brother-in-law, Dr Sfiso Buthelezi, confirmed that authorities had concluded the autopsy. He noted, however, that the full report and cause of death are yet to be released.

"Today, the family was given permission to remove the body of Ambassador Mthethwa from the government mortuary, and we also received permission to repatriate the remains of Ambassador Mthethwa from Paris to South Africa."

He explained that they were looking to leave the country on Thursday, 9 October 2025 and arrive back in South Africa on Friday. Funeral details are yet to be announced as the family is waiting for President Cyril Ramaphosa to confirm the status of the funeral.

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Buthelezi described the traumatic experience of viewing the remains

Dr Buthelezi also confirmed seeing the Ambassador’s remains, describing the experience as traumatic.

He recalled that the last time he saw his brother-in-law alive was in January 2025, when he visited Mthethwa. He added that the last time they were able to laugh and share good memories. He noted that it was sad that this time around, Mthethwa could not speak to him.

Nathi Mthethwa family will visit the scene of his death at the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile Hotel
Nathi Mthethwa 's family will visit the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile Hotel to fetch his spirit. Image: Anna Kurth
Source: Getty Images

Dr Buthelezi also confirmed that the South African government was working frantically with the family to arrange for them to visit the scene where his body was found so that they could fetch his spirit, in accordance with cultural beliefs. The scene has been sealed off by police since the tragic discovery.

You can watch Dr Buthelezi's interview with the media below:

What you need to know about the situation surrounding Mthethwa’s death

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Nathi Mthethwa family could bury former Ambassador on Sunday

Mystery surrounds the late Ambassador’s death

Briefly News reported that French authorities provided more details about their investigations.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed what authorities found in the hotel room Mthethwa was in.

She also shared information about the last message Mthethwa sent to his wife, which left her worried.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Byron Pillay avatar

Byron Pillay (Current Affairs Editor) Byron Pillay is a Current Affairs Editor at Briefly News. He received a Diploma in Journalism from the Caxton Cadet School. He spent 15 years covering politics, crime and current affairs. He was also the Head of Department for Sports Brief, where he covered both local and international sporting news. Email: byron.pillay@briefly.co.za