The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has called for justice over the death of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across South Africa. The deaths occurred between September 18 and September 21, sparking renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in the country. The Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement, urging South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The first victim, Kenechukwu 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 said Igwemmadu's death was a result of the alleged harassment. The incident has raised concerns about police brutality in South Africa.
Two days later, Olaniyi Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, was allegedly shot by an unidentified South African following an argument over a cup belonging to Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria. Olatunde suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on September 21. The alleged shooter was reported to have returned to the club and threatened witnesses before leaving the scene.
The third victim, Christian 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. The Consul-General said 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 the hospital.
The Consul-General's statement also recalled the 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. No arrests have been made in connection with Uzor's death. The recent deaths have raised concerns about the treatment and security of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
The Nigerian Consulate General has urged Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious, while assuring them that it will continue to pursue their interests, welfare, and fair treatment. The Consul-General also emphasized that allegations must be handled through due process, with suspects presumed innocent and given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
The incidents have sparked renewed concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats, and other forms of ill-treatment against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. The Nigerian government has called for justice and urged South African authorities to take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of Nigerian nationals in the country.
Key points
- The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has called for justice over the death of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across South Africa.
- The deaths have raised concerns about the treatment and security of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
- The Nigerian government has urged South African authorities to take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of Nigerian nationals in the country.
