DIRCO relying on ongoing investigation to determine how South Africa's Ambassador to France died

The International Relations and Cooperation Department (DIRCO) said that it is relying on an ongoing investigation to determine how South Africa's Ambassador to France died. 

Nathi Mthethwa was found dead in a Paris hotel on Monday.

While speculation is rife that he died by suicide, DIRCO said that nothing has been confirmed yet.

It's been three days since Mthethwa died abroad, yet the cause of his death remains unknown.

DIRCO deputy minister Alvin Botes visited the Mthethwa home in Kwambonambi in northern KZN on Thursday, where he briefed the family.

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"The actual process of identifying Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa only occurred today in Paris, in France."

Botes assured the family that Mthethwa will be returned home and receive a dignified sendoff. 

"The family understood, they appreciated our feedback, and we’ve agreed with the government and, of course, with the ANC that we will now focus on bringing Ambassador Mthethwa home so that we can honour and pay tribute to this ambassador."

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has yet to announce the status of the funeral to be given to the ambassador.