South Africa's ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, has been reported dead following a fall from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris.
French authorities have confirmed the incident, which has prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
According to reports from The Mirror UK, Mthethwa had been reported missing prior to the discovery of his body. His wife alerted the police after receiving a distressing message from him the evening before his death. It is revealed that prompted an immediate response from local authorities, who launched an overnight search operation in the wooded areas of western Paris.
With assistance from a dog unit, police scoured the region, ultimately leading to the tragic discovery of the ambassador's body at the Hyatt Hotel in the early hours of the morning.
The events leading up to his fall are yet to be fully understood, and the Paris prosecutor's office is currently investigating the matter to uncover the details surrounding his last moments.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has been contacted for further confirmation of the incident and is expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Saturday Star