While reports by French authorities suggest that South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, died by suicide, his family has come out to reject these claims, citing that the former minister would never take his own life.
Last week, videos of Nathi Mthethwa’s joyous Heritage Day celebrations circulated on the internet, as the country celebrated alongside him. This week, the news of his untimely passing has sent shock waves across the country, not only due to its unexpectedness, but also the mysterious circumstances surrounding it.
The former minister, who served as South Africa’s ambassador to France, was found dead after what French officials believe was a fall from the Hyatt Hotel’s 22nd floor. This came after his wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, blew the whistle after she received a message from her husband, where he apologised to her, and then went on to reveal his plans to take his own life.
It appears that South African citizens are not the only ones who believe something is amiss with this situation, as the ambassador’s family has come out to reject the officials’ claims of a suicide. Furthermore, citizens have posed various questions, such as why an individual of Nathi’s calibre and position would be without a security detail in a foreign country. These concerned citizens, along with some of his family, also point out that days before his death, Nathi was named as one of 33 individuals set to appear before the Madlanga Commission due to allegations of political interference by General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
While some believe that the former minister might have taken his life to avoid accountability, other members of the public are of the opinion that this death was orchestrated to keep certain information from coming out at the Madlanga Commission.
The ANC comrade’s brother, Khulekani Buthelezi, is among those who have been outspoken about rejecting these claims of suicide. He highlights his brother as a notable comrade, who played a significant role in South Africa’s fight for freedom and questions why, after enduring far worse struggles, his brother would end his life over being implicated in the Madlanga Commission.
“We are not accepting this… My brother endured the worst the apartheid system could do to him. He was tortured. He never backed down. Why would a man like that choose to die now?” Khulekani asks.
Also see: Update: Nathi Mthethwa’s final message before Paris hotel death revealed
