South Africa's ambassador to France was found dead on Tuesday outside a hotel in Paris after reportedly jumping from the building's 22nd floor, according to French media.

After being reported missing on Monday, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa was found dead outside the Hyatt Hotel in Paris, prosecutors confirmed to the daily Le Parisien.

While it is believed that the 58-year-old diplomat might have jumped from the 22nd floor, an investigation has been opened.

The South African government said in a statement on Tuesday that it would cooperate with French authorities to investigate the circumstances behind Mthethwa's death.