South Africa has sent a team of investigators to France to help determine the circumstances surrounding the death of its ambassador, Nathi Mthethwa, who was found dead earlier this week near the four-star Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris.

The team is composed of of five seasoned officers from the South Africa Police Service, the police ministry said.

"The deployed team will work closely with French law enforcement authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Ambassador Mthethwa’s death are thoroughly and transparently investigated," the ministry said in a statement.

Mthethwa died after he reportedly fell from the 22nd floor of a hotel in Paris. He was reported missing on Monday.

Necessary support

He had been serving as South Africa’s ambassador to France since December 2023, following a long political career that included several cabinet portfolios between 2008 and 2023.

South Africa's police ministry said it will offer all necessary support to their counterparts in France.

“The deployment of these investigators reflects our commitment to ensuring that every effort is made to establish the full facts surrounding this tragedy,” it said.

The death sparked widespread shock and mourning both internationally and in his home country.