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The late Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to France.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) says there are still no final plans for the burial of Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to France.
This comes as a postmortem is underway in Paris.
Mthethwa reportedly fell to his death at a hotel in France on Tuesday.
Circumstances surrounding his death are a subject of investigation by French authorities and a team of South African investigators which has been dispatched to France.
South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was found dead outside the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris, prompting widespread shock. SABC News reporter Nonjabulo Mntungwa-Makamu reports from Mthethwa’s homestead in KwaMbonambi, KZ pic.twitter.com/VX6VTGTlc5
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 1, 2025
“The funeral, at this stage is still contingent on the late ambassador being repatriated. As we understand, the postmortem is still underway. So, the repatriation processes will only kick in once we know that that element has been concluded,” says Dirco’s Spokesperson, Crispin Phiri.
[WATCH]
Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, says the repatriation of Nathi Mthethwa’s remains from France could take place next week. The family has confirmed that they identified his body on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/kaIMigI7l4— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 3, 2025
Phiri says in terms of talks about a death certificate, the family can best speak more to that.
“We do know that the postmortem process is still underway and once those results have come in, we will then be able to start the repatriation process, alongside the family. We are guided mainly by what the family’s wishes are at this point,” adds Phiri.
RELATED VIDEO | Nathi Mthethwa | Update on repatriation of Ambassador Mthethwa’s remains: Chrispin Phiri
