The remains of Nathi Mthethwa are to be repatriated this week. Image: EWN.
(The Post News) – On Thursday, the remains of Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, South Africa’s ambassador to France, are anticipated to be returned to South Africa, concluding the forensic and diplomatic proceedings in Paris after his unexpected death.
Elders have traveled from their KwaMbonambi homestead in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to Pretoria to get ready for cultural rites that are fundamental to Zulu customs, while family members, including his wife, Philisiwe Buthelezi, are currently in France to follow the body home.
Body Expected Home This Week
Following a supposed fall from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile hotel, Ambassador Mthethwa passed away last week. After the post-mortem examination is finished, French officials have authorized the body’s release and issued a death certificate.
Dr. Sfiso Buthelezi, a family spokesperson, attested to the completion of the important administrative step. “On Friday, the death certificate was obtained… We were given permission by French officials to transfer the ambassador’s remains from the government mortuary to a private mortuary, and by Thursday, everything would be finished. We are so excited to bring him home.
His remains are now expected to leave France on Thursday and arrive in South Africa on Friday.
Family Awaits Final Cause of Death
“The autopsy is finished,” Dr. Buthelezi declared. Finding the scientific conclusion of what transpired is what we hope to learn from the report. We only anticipate that.
The family deems it a positive step that a five-person South African Police Service (SAPS) team was sent to Paris to help with the inquiry. Khulekani Mthethwa, Mthethwa’s brother, stated that although the family has complete faith in the French police, the addition of South African detectives gives them hope that “no stone will be left unturned.”
Traditional Customs and State Funeral Pending
The Presidency is currently the centre of attention. According to Crispin Phiri, a spokesman for the Department of International Relations (DIRCO), President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce the funeral’s status. Given Mthethwa’s extensive tenure as a former Cabinet Minister and Ambassador, it is expected that the funeral will be an official one.
The Ambassador was a kind and respected person, according to Mthethwa’s uncle Musawokuphila Mthethwa, who also mentioned that the family, including his wife and kids, is devastated by the unexpected death. Following the arrival of the body and the announcement of the government’s official status, the family will make final funeral arrangements.
About the Author
