By Johnathan Paoli
The remains of the late South African ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, are expected to be repatriated to South Africa on Thursday.
Family spokesperson Dr Sfiso Buthelezi confirmed that the necessary documentation, including the death certificate, had been issued following the completion of the postmortem examination.
“We can now go home on Thursday and arrive in South Africa on Friday. That’s something we couldn’t do before,” Buthelezi said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika international correspondent, Simon Marks, on Monday night.
“French authorities allowed us to move the ambassador’s body from the government mortuary to a private mortuary, and all the processes will be completed by Thursday. We just can’t wait to bring him home.”
Buthelezi added that while the family had not yet received the full autopsy report, French authorities had authorised the release of the body.
“We were told the postmortem process is complete. I was also able to go the mortuary to view my brother’s remains at the mortuary, representing the Buthelezi and the Mthethwa families, who are now gathered in KwaMbonambi in northern KwaZulu-Natal. On behalf of South Africans and citizens of the world, we are deeply grateful for the support and ready to bring our ambassador home,” he said.
French authorities issued the release permit on Monday after concluding a postmortem examination.
However, details of the report are yet to be announced.
The 58-year-old diplomat died last Tuesday after allegedly falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the French capital.
Buthelezi added that rumours linking the ambassador’s death to testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system were not helpful.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has deployed a team of five senior investigators to France to assist with the inquiry.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirmed the deployment.
“The deployment of these investigators reflects our commitment to ensuring that every effort is made to establish the full facts surrounding this tragedy,” he said.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the officers would work closely with French law enforcement to support the ongoing inquest and uphold the principles of justice and accountability.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi called for an urgent meeting with SAPS leadership on Monday to clarify the scope of the investigation and ensure transparency.
The ANC said Mthethwa’s sudden death had shocked the party and the country.
Speaking after the ANC NEC meeting in Ekurhuleni over the weekend, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the party welcomed the deployment of SAPS investigators.
“The ANC supports the move to go to France and ensure that no stone is left unturned. If somebody took their own life, it is beyond their control, but if there is a third hand involved, then that country must be held equally accountable,” Mbalula said.
French authorities have moved to dispel speculation following conflicting media reports.
Police in Paris confirmed that Mthethwa’s cellphone was found inside the hotel, not in a nearby park as initially claimed.
Funeral arrangements are still to be confirmed, as well as the presidency’s declaration of the status of the funeral.
INSIDE POLITICS