The family of the late South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, is calling for clarity and answers surrounding his death as his body is scheduled to be repatriated to South Africa.
Mthethwa (58) died after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris on 2 October.
The circumstances of his death remain unclear, prompting ongoing investigations by French authorities and collaborative efforts with South African law enforcement.
On Friday, South Africa’s acting minister of police, Firoz Cachalia, said five seasoned investigators have been deployed to France.
This delegation is led by major general Bongani Maqhashalala, the deputy provincial commissioner for crime detection in the Western Cape, to work closely with French investigators and support the family’s quest for truth.
Speaking from Mthethwa’s home at Kwambonambi on Monday morning, his brother-in-law, Khulekani Buthelezi, expressed the family’s desire for a thorough and transparent investigation.
“I think combining different groups and skills to achieve a certain outcome, in this case, will result in a report that provides facts about what transpired,” Buthelezi said.
“We would like to thank the government for this initiative, and we understand that the investigative team has travelled to France to collaborate with French investigators.
“We hope that, with a team of diverse skills, the outcome will be as expected: the truth, nothing more.”
The family also faces the emotional weight of their loss, particularly Mthethwa’s widow.
“When we heard about our brother-in-law’s passing, my daughter was the first one to be there and to provide initial comfort. Family helps a lot, as difficult as it is for my sister,” Buthelezi added.
“But obviously, we know that at the end of the day, it is what it is – whatever happened – we just want answers so we can have closure on this chapter.”
He said the repatriation Mthethwa’s body is imminent, although there have been logistical challenges.
“With all the challenges we are experiencing as the family, his body has to come back to South Africa, though nobody knows exactly when.
“From the discussions we’ve had with authorities in France, it has been promised to be by tomorrow. However, an autopsy must first be completed with the approval of the family,” Buthelezi explained.
Family spokesperson Sifiso Buthelezi, a former deputy finance minister, reported that the French police had visited the official residence to update Mthethwa’s widow and family regarding the investigation and had returned his personal belongings. – IOL
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