Consulate Seeks Justice As Three Nigerians Killed In South Africa

The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has called on South African authorities to investigate the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents across the country and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.

The three Nigerians, identified as Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka, reportedly died between September 18 and 21, amid renewed concerns over the safety and treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

The Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, made the call in a statement issued on Monday, urging South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

She also called for those responsible for the deaths to be brought to justice.

According to the Consul-General, Igwemmadu died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein.

Two days later, 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 sustained a gunshot injury and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he later died on September 21.

The alleged shooter reportedly returned to the club and threatened witnesses before leaving the scene.

Meanwhile, Nnaemeka reportedly 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 allegedly assaulted and tortured during the encounter before attempting to escape.

Okey-Uche said, “he (Nnaemeka) was reported to have collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion, and later pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.”

She also recalled the reported death of another Nigerian, Emeka Uzor, who was shot on February 9 during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg.

According to her, no arrest has been made in connection with Uzor’s death.

“The recent deaths raise concerns about the treatment and security of Nigerians, and other Africans in South Africa, amid xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and other forms of ill-treatment.

“All lives matter. Allegations must be handled through due process, with suspects presumed innocent and given opportunity to defend themselves in court,” she said.

The Consul-General urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious.

She assured that the Nigerian mission would continue to pursue the interests, welfare and fair treatment of Nigerian nationals in the country.