French Authorities Refuse 5 SAPS Detectives Entry To Probe Nathi Mthethwa Death

• The South African Police Service has encountered a setback in its investigation into the death of Nathi Mthethwa
• The former ambassador and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, died after he fell from the 22nd floor of the Regents Hotel in France
• The police planned on sending five investigators, but negotiations between the French and South African governments dragged on, and one officer was sent

With 10 years’ experience, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of the Current Affairs desk, South Africa, provided insights into the criminal justice system, crime statistics, commissions of inquiry, and high-profile cases in South Africa at Daily Sun.

PARIS, FRANCE — The South African Police Service revealed that their plan to send five detectives to investigate the death of former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa in Paris, France, was disrupted by negotiations between the two countries.

According to the Sunday Times, the SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said that the South African government and the French government were in negotiations, but they dragged on. As a result, only one senior detective was sent to investigate Mthethwa's death. The police officer who was sent to France has since returned and provided a report to his superiors.

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Mathe also said that the French officials denied the rest of the officers' permits and visas because they reportedly told the South African government that French investigators were more than capable of investigating the case. The presidency also commented and said that it will not comment, as this is a police investigation.

A look at Nathi Mthethwa's death

Mthethwa was found dead at the Hyatt hotel in Paris, France, on 30 September 2025. This was after he had gone missing. His wife reported him after he failed to show up at a cocktail party he was invited to. The French authorities said that he fell from the 22nd floor of the hotel.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation confirmed Mthethwa's death and conveyed its condolences. President Cyril Ramaphosa also expressed his condolences after Mthethwa was found.

What did South Africans say?

South Africans commenting on social media were not convinced.

RaceRegulatedCitizen said:

"Our police are so corrupt, they were probably sent there to cover up some loose ends."

Nole KSum said:

"Good. They are corrupt. They must stay put until asked to account before the Madlanga Commission."

Sthesh Mnisi said:

"Even French authorities don't trust SA policing."

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We Wuz Feminists said:

"Good. They're useless anyway. They were just going to waste our money there."

Mbuyazi said:

"They can't even crack SA cases."

Nathi Mthethwa opens up about his death

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Mthethwa's family opened up about how they learned about his death. The family said they discovered it on social media.

Mthethwa's brother slammed the government for not informing the family of Mthethwa's death before finding out on social media. The family also slammed the African National Congress for a lack of communication about his death.

Source: Briefly News