The South African Police Service (SAPS) has deployed a team of five seasoned investigators to France to assist in probing the death of South Africa’s ambassador to France and former police minister, Nathi Mthethwa, who died after falling from a 22nd-floor hotel room in Paris last week.

South Africa’s acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, announced the deployment of a team of five seasoned police officers on Friday.

The police ministry revealed the development in a media release.

“Following the tragic and untimely death of South African Ambassador to France and former Police Minister Mr Nathi Mthethwa, the Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia, has been advised by the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, that following consultation with the relevant authorities, a decision has been taken to deploy a team of five seasoned officers from the SAPS to France,” said Cachalia’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi.

The team will be led by Major General Maqhashalala, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in the Western Cape.

Mogotsi said the team will work closely with French law enforcement authorities to ensure the circumstances surrounding Ambassador Mthethwa’s death are thoroughly and transparently investigated.

“This collaborative effort aims to support the ongoing inquest and uphold the principles of justice and accountability,” Mogotsi said.

Commenting on the deployment, Cachalia said the team had been sent to help establish the facts behind Mthethwa’s death.

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

“We will offer all necessary support to our counterparts in France and remain in close contact with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) throughout the process.”

Cachalia also extended his condolences.

“We are devastated by the sudden and untimely passing of Ambassador Mthethwa, a dedicated public servant and patriot who served our nation with distinction in various capacities,” he said. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Mthethwa, 58, died after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Paris on Tuesday, 30 September.

His sudden death has shocked the nation and prompted an investigation by French authorities.

Earlier on Friday, IOL reported that new details have emerged about the incident. 

A cap, a coat and a remote control were among the belongings handed to Mthethwa’s widow, Philisiwe Buthelezi, after the incident at the upmarket Paris hotel.

Family spokesperson Sifiso Buthelezi, a former deputy finance minister, said that French police had visited the official residence to update the ambassador’s widow and family on the ongoing investigation and to return his personal items.

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