Vietnam-Based Facebook Pages Spread Conspiracy Theories About South African Ambassador's Death
South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, was discovered dead outside a Paris hotel at the end of September 2025, reportedly after falling from the 22nd floor.
In the following weeks, numerous social media posts circulated baseless conspiracy theories about the circumstances of Mthethwa’s death. These posts often included unrelated footage falsely claimed to show the fall.
Origin and Nature of the Posts
The misleading content was primarily shared by Facebook pages based in Vietnam, which linked to dubious websites.
“VIRAL VIDEO EXPOSES —A SHOCKING MOMENT CAUGHT IN REAL TIME‼”
“The original footage of Nathi Mthethwa’s tragic fall in a Paris hotel has taken the internet by storm, revealing a heart-wrenching and mysterious event,” the Facebook post published on October 5, 2025, states.
“The psychological impact of this shocking video has left millions in disbelief, sparking intense debate over what really happened. Prepare for a dramatic and emotional rollercoaster!”
The post provided a link to an article on southtoday.com, promising more details.
Similar Posts on Facebook
- Other posts displayed photos of Mthethwa with superimposed screenshots depicting a figure falling from a building.
- One image featured the caption: “NATHI MTHEHTHWA’S TRAGIC FALL IN PARIS HOTEL LAST MOMENTS.”
These revelations highlight how false information can rapidly spread through social media networks, especially when amplified by misleading visuals and sensationalist language.
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Overall, the spread of unfounded conspiracy theories about a diplomatic tragedy illustrates serious challenges in controlling misinformation online.
Author's Summary
This case exemplifies how social media platforms can rapidly amplify baseless conspiracy theories, complicating public understanding of sensitive events.