The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has expressed concern over the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents in South Africa. According to a statement issued by Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the incidents occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026, and have renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African foreigners in the country. The deceased were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
The first incident involved Igwemmadu, who died on September 18 after allegedly jumping to his death while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court in Bloemfontein. The Consulate stated that Igwemmadu was trying to escape from police when he jumped to his death. The incident has raised questions about police conduct in South Africa.
The second incident occurred two days later, on September 20, and involved Olatunde, a security guard at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria. According to the Consulate, Olatunde was shot during an altercation with a South African customer who was trying to leave the premises with a club cup. The customer allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Olatunde, causing serious injuries and heavy blood loss.
The third incident involved 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 content team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni. The Consulate alleged that members of the team arrested and assaulted Nnaemeka during an operation, despite finding nothing incriminating on him.
The Consulate also recalled the February 9, 2026 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who was shot by Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg. The Consulate noted that no arrests had been made in that case and that Khumalo is currently contesting an election to become Mayor of Ekurhuleni.
The Consulate described the latest deaths as “deeply troubling” and called on South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the incidents and prosecute anyone found responsible. The Consulate stressed that allegations of criminal conduct must not be used as a basis for extrajudicial punishment and that suspects should be subjected to due process.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, also reacted to the latest incidents, saying the three deaths had brought the number of Nigerians allegedly killed in South Africa in 2026 to 12. Fani-Kayode claimed that 112 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa since 2022, including 32 allegedly killed by members of the South African security forces.
Key points
- The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg raises alarm over the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026.
- The incidents have renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African foreigners in South Africa.
- The Consulate called on South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the incidents and prosecute anyone found responsible.
