The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has expressed concern over the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026. The Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday. The three victims were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadú, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
According to the statement, Igwemmadú allegedly jumped to his death on September 18 while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Central Business District, Bloemfontein. The Consulate stated that Igwemmadú's death was a result of police actions. This incident has raised concerns about police brutality in South Africa.
Two days later, Olatunde was shot at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria. The statement said Olatunde, who worked as a security guard at the club, attempted to stop a South African customer from leaving the premises with a cup belonging to the club. This resulted in an altercation, and the South African customer pulled out his firearm and shot Olatunde in his lower body part.
The Consulate said the shooter fled after the incident but later returned to the club after realizing that his identity was known by several witnesses. The statement said Olatunde was rushed to Mamelodi Hospital, where he eventually died from the gunshot injury and was confirmed dead by doctors on the morning of September 21.
The third victim, Nnaemeka, was allegedly tortured and killed on September 21 by South African politician and investigative content creator, Xolani Khumalo, and members of his content creation team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni. The Consulate said the incident occurred during an operation conducted by members of the Sizok'thola team led by Khumalo.
The Consulate-General extended its condolences to the families of the three deceased Nigerians, saying it remained committed to protecting the welfare and fair treatment of Nigerians in South Africa. The Consulate called on South African authorities to investigate the deaths and prosecute those responsible.
Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, said the latest deaths had brought the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026 to 12. Fani-Kayode condemned the killings and appealed to the South African authorities to protect Nigerians and prosecute those responsible.
Key points
- The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg condemns the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents across South Africa.
- The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.
- The Consulate has called on South African authorities to investigate the deaths and prosecute those responsible.
