Three Nigerians have been killed in separate incidents in South Africa, bringing the total number of reported deaths this year to 12. According to Nigeria's ambassador designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, the latest killings occurred on September 18, 20, and 21, 2026. The incidents have sparked concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa. Fani-Kayode condemned the killings and appealed to the South African authorities to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.
The victims have been identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka. According to the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, Igwemmadu died on September 18 while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality in Bloemfontein. Olatunde, a security guard, was shot at a bar in Pretoria on September 20 after attempting to stop a customer from leaving with a cup belonging to the establishment. The Consulate reported that Olatunde died from his injuries on September 21.
The third victim, Nnaemeka, died on September 21 following an encounter with the Sizok'thola team led by South African politician and investigative content creator, Xolani Khumalo, in Primrose, Ekurhuleni. The Consulate alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted and tortured during the operation, and later died from injuries and exhaustion after attempting to escape. The incidents have raised questions about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has formally condemned the deaths, calling on the relevant South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations and prosecute those responsible. The mission stressed that allegations should be handled through established legal processes, and suspects should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Consulate also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious amid ongoing xenophobic and "Afrophobic" attacks.
Fani-Kayode also expressed concern over the continued killings, warning that Nigeria's "patience is wearing thin". He called on the South African government to protect Nigerians and bring perpetrators to justice. The latest incidents add to longstanding concerns over the safety of Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa, where they have been victims of killings, xenophobic attacks, and other forms of violence over the years.
Tensions between Nigerians and some South Africans have periodically escalated over issues of immigration, employment, crime, and allegations of involvement in illicit activities. Nigerian diplomatic authorities have repeatedly called for the protection of Nigerians and prosecution of perpetrators. Since 2022, a total of 112 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa, including 32 allegedly killed by members of the South African security forces.
The Nigerian Consulate has extended condolences to the families of the three deceased Nigerians and reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare and ensuring the fair treatment of Nigerian nationals in South Africa. The Consulate's statement also recalled the February 9, 2026, death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who was shot dead by the same Xolani Khumalo reality television crew.
Key points
- 112 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since 2022.
- 12 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa this year.
- None of those responsible for the killings have been brought to justice or convicted.
