The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has urged South African authorities to investigate the deaths of three Nigerian nationals who died in separate incidents across the country. The incidents occurred between September 18 and 21, sparking concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa. According to the Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the victims were Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde, and Christian Nnaemeka.
Igwemmadu died on September 18 after jumping from a building while attempting to escape alleged police harassment and brutality at the Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein. The Consul-General stated that Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, was allegedly shot by an unidentified South African on September 20, following an argument over a cup at a nightclub in Mamelodi East, Pretoria. Olatunde suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on September 21.
The third victim, Nnaemeka, 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. According to the Consul-General, Nnaemeka was reported to have been assaulted and tortured during the encounter before attempting to escape. He later collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The Consul-General called on South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law. She noted that the recent deaths raise concerns about the treatment and security of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, amid xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats, and other forms of ill-treatment.
This incident is not an isolated case, as there was a reported death of another Nigerian, Emeka Uzor, who was shot during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg, on February 9. The Consul-General stated that no arrests have been made in that case. The Nigerian government is seeking justice and answers in the recent cases.
The Consul-General emphasized that all lives matter and allegations must be handled through due process, with suspects presumed innocent and given the opportunity to defend themselves in court. The Nigerian government is urging South African authorities to take swift action to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in the country.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the safety and security of foreigners in South Africa. The Nigerian government will continue to engage with South African authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that measures are put in place to prevent such incidents in the future.
Key points
- Nigeria's Consulate General in Johannesburg calls for justice over the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents in South Africa.
- The incidents occurred between September 18 and 21, sparking concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.
- The Nigerian government is urging South African authorities to take swift action to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in the country.
