The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the death of a 34-year-old Nigerian, Christian Nnaemeka. He was allegedly attacked in Johannesburg by members of the Sizokthola crew, involving television personality Xolani Khumalo. According to NUSA, Nnaemeka was attacked at around 8 pm on Monday at Willow and Filbert Streets, Primrose, Johannesburg.
Nnaemeka, a husband and father of a three-year-old son, hailed from Enugu-Ezike in the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State. The union is seeking answers over the circumstances surrounding his death, including the reasons behind the alleged attack and those responsible for the incident. NUSA expressed concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
NUSA, in a statement signed by its Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President-General, George O. Sylvester, urged the South African authorities to identify and investigate everyone connected with the incident. The union demanded that anyone found to have acted unlawfully face the full weight of the law, regardless of their position, influence, or affiliation.
The union questioned whether the incident was connected to an authorised operation and called for clarification on the steps being taken by the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding Nnaemeka's death. NUSA demanded clear answers on what happened to Christian, why he was attacked, who was responsible, and whether the incident was part of an authorised operation.
NUSA will engage relevant South African authorities and work with the Nigerian Mission, particularly the Consul-General's Office and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to pursue this matter to its logical conclusion. The union also urged the Nigerian diplomatic mission to intensify engagement with South African authorities and use available diplomatic channels to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.
While NUSA supports lawful efforts to tackle crime and drug-related offences, it insisted that allegations of criminality should be handled through due process. The union emphasised that no allegation of criminality should become a licence to take a human life. Nnaemeka's death has left his three-year-old son without a father, and the union called for the truth surrounding the incident to be established.
The Nigerian Union in South Africa vowed not to remain silent, demanding answers, accountability, and justice for Nnaemeka and his family. This incident has raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, and NUSA insisted that it should be the last concern of this nature.
Key points
- NUSA demands an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into Christian Nnaemeka's death.
- The union urges the South African authorities to identify and investigate everyone connected with the incident.
- NUSA will engage with relevant authorities to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and ensure justice for Nnaemeka and his family.
