South Africa’s ambassador to France has been found dead at the foot of a high-rise hotel in Paris, hours after he was reported missing.

Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, was “discovered directly below” a Hyatt Hotel in Paris on Tuesday,  where he had booked a room on the 22nd floor.

Mthethwa’s wife had reported him missing on Monday, saying she had received a “disturbing message” from him.

Mthethwa, 58, was appointed ambassador to France in 2023.