By Thapelo Molefe
A five-member South African Police Service (SAPS) investigative team is set to leave for France on Saturday to assist in the investigation into the apparent suicide of South Africa’s Ambassador to France, and former Police Minister, Nathi Mthethwa.
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced the deployment on Friday, confirming that the team, led by Major General Maqhashalala, who is the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in the Western Cape, will collaborate closely with French law enforcement authorities to establish the full facts surrounding Mthethwa’s death.
“The deployment of these investigators reflects our commitment to ensuring that every effort is made to establish the full facts surrounding this tragedy,” Cachalia said.
“We will offer all necessary support to our counterparts in France and remain in close contact with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) throughout the process.”
Cachalia described the move as a “collaborative and transparent” effort between the two nations, following consultations between SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, DIRCO, and French officials.
Mthethwa’s family is still awaiting the completion of formalities before his remains can be brought home.
Family spokesperson Sfiso Buthelezi said on Thursday that they expect to receive the official death certificate this week, after which repatriation arrangements will proceed.
“The French police have been working closely with us and have reviewed surveillance footage to determine whether anyone entered or left his hotel room before or after his death,” Buthelezi said.
“They assured us that they found nothing suspicious so far.”
Mthethwa reportedly fell to his death from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile on Tuesday. French police have been investigating the circumstances, with early reports suggesting that Mthethwa’s wife informed authorities that he had previously spoken about taking his own life.
However, those close to him have questioned this, saying he appeared to be in good spirits days before.
“On Saturday, he attended a commemoration of South African World War I soldiers in France with embassy staff. He even sent us a video of himself performing indlamu, looking jovial and in high spirits. To contrast that with what happened on Monday is very difficult to reconcile,” Buthelezi said.
DIRCO Deputy Minister Alvin Botes has urged patience, saying that there will be a conclusive outcome from French authorities.
“Preliminary probes will lead to clarity, and we appeal to the media to await the official outcome,” Botes said.
Mthethwa’s death comes amid renewed controversy surrounding his political career, which in recent years had been marred by allegations of misconduct and political interference.
Before his diplomatic posting, Mthethwa had served as Minister of Police from 2008 to 2014 and as Minister of Arts and Culture from 2014 to 2023.
Once regarded as a staunch ally of former President Jacob Zuma, Mthethwa’s reputation began to crumble after he was implicated in wrongdoing in several judicial commissions.
Just two weeks before his death, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mthethwa of meddling in police affairs during testimony before the Madlanga Commission.
Mkhwanazi told the inquiry that Mthethwa had once instructed him to drop disciplinary charges against former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli, calling it “the worst case of political interference” he had ever experienced.
In the State Capture inquiry, Mthethwa was accused of benefiting from R200,000 allegedly siphoned from the Crime Intelligence secret fund for home upgrades, funds meant for covert operations and informant payments.
Born near Durban in 1967, Mthethwa rose through the ranks of the ANC Youth League and later joined Parliament in 2002. He served on the ANC’s National Executive Committee until 2022, before being dismissed from Cabinet in 2023 by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said the investigative team will remain in France for as long as necessary and will provide regular updates to the national commissioner.
“I am unable to advise on whether this deployment will affect repatriation timelines,” she added.
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