The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) has urged its citizens to exercise caution and remain vigilant in light of planned protests scheduled for September 30. The March and March Movement had announced the demonstrations targeting undocumented foreign nationals, following previous protests on June 30. NUSA President-General, Dr. Smart Nwobi, issued an advisory, urging Nigerians to avoid areas where protests and large gatherings are expected.
Dr. Nwobi advised Nigerians to ensure their passports, permits, visas, and other immigration documents are valid and securely kept. He also urged them to comply with lawful instructions from the South African Police Service and other authorized law enforcement agencies. Nigerians are advised to keep family members and trusted contacts informed about their movements where necessary.
The advisory also cautioned Nigerians against responding to provocation with violence, which could endanger individuals, families, and the wider Nigerian community. Dr. Nwobi emphasized that no Nigerian should take the law into their own hands and that they must not engage in activities capable of putting themselves, their families, or the wider Nigerian community at risk.
NUSA is engaging relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, to encourage vigilance, protect lives and property, and promote a peaceful resolution of concerns. The union also urged the Nigerian Mission to continue its diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to prevent violence and protect the lives and property of Nigerians living in the country.
The South African police found another body in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, bringing the total number of women found dead in the municipality over the past two months to 10. The discovery adds to growing concern over violence against women in a country long plagued by violent crime. Police are working to establish whether the killings are connected.
The victims were mostly in their 20s and 30s, with some found stripped of their clothes and showing signs of sexual assault. A suspect was arrested two days after the first victim was found, and two other suspects, women aged 31 and 38, were arrested in connection with the ninth victim. Police have said that the case may have stemmed from a relationship-related matter.
Gender-based violence is endemic in South Africa despite years of government pledges to tackle the problem and the declaration of gender-based violence as a national disaster. The Nigerian Union in South Africa has warned its citizens against spreading unverified information and will continue to monitor developments and provide further guidance where necessary.
Key points
- The Nigerian Union in South Africa advises citizens to be vigilant ahead of September 30 protests.
- The union urges Nigerians to avoid areas of potential protests and ensure valid immigration documents.
- South African police found the tenth body of a woman in Ekurhuleni over the past two months.
