DIRCO says Nathi Mthethwa's remains likely to be back in SA next week

Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says the body of South Africa's ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, is likely to be back in the country next week.    

Mthethwa was found dead at a hotel in Paris on Tuesday. 

The circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation. 

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) has sent a delegation to the Mthethwa home in KwaMbonambi, northern KZN.

DIRCO deputy minister. Alvin Botes also visited the family on Thursday.

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Regional and provincial leaders of the ANC have been arriving at the Mthethwa family home to pay their respects.

Some senior party members,  including Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Jeff Radebe, are among those who have arrived. 

Botes told the family that an autopsy,  which is being conducted on Mthethwa's body, will likely be completed by Sunday.   

"Well, remember we have bilateral relations with France, so we await the conclusive outcomes from the French authorities, which we do anticipate the initial preliminary investigation will be completed by Sunday."  

Botes said the body should be returned to South Africa by next week.