The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has urged South African authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents between September 18 and 21, 2026. The Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, called for justice, ensuring that anyone found responsible is dealt with according to the law. The incidents have raised concerns over the safety and treatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The first case involved Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, who died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein. According to the Consulate, Igwemmadu was trying to escape alleged police harassment and brutality when he fell from the building. The Consulate is seeking a thorough investigation into the incident to establish the facts.
Two days later, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, was allegedly shot at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, following an argument over a cup belonging to the club. The Consulate said Olatunde sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on September 21. The alleged shooter reportedly threatened witnesses before leaving the scene.
The third case involved Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, who died on September 21 following an alleged encounter with South African politician and investigative content creator, Xolani Khumalo, and members of his Sizok’thola team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni. The Consulate alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted during the encounter before attempting to escape, and later collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion.
The Consulate also recalled the February 9 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who the Consulate said was shot during an encounter involving Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg. The Consulate noted that no arrests have been made in connection with the case, raising concerns about the effectiveness of investigations into such incidents.
Okey-Uche said the latest incidents had raised fresh concerns over the safety and treatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. The Consul-General emphasized that Nigerian and all lives matter, and that the allegations should be handled through due process, with suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The Consulate urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious, while working for their welfare and fair treatment. The Consulate also called on the relevant authorities to establish the facts in each case and ensure that anyone found to have violated the law faces justice, promoting accountability and trust in the justice system.
Key points
- The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg is seeking justice for the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
- The incidents have raised concerns over the safety and treatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
- The Consulate is calling for thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
