Federal Govt Seeks Autopsy, Probe Over Killing Of 2 Nigerians In South Africa

The Federal Government has said that no Nigerian was killed or their property attacked in the recent wave of xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa and urged the public to ignore social media reports about attacks on Nigerians, even as it urged the authorities in Pretoria to probe the death of two Nigerians in police custody.

Indications of the development emerged on Monday in Abuja when the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, summoned the Acting South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, over the death of the two Nigerians under the custody of South Africa’s security forces.

Addressing reporters after the South African envoy met with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Dunoma, Spokesman  for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said, “The Ministry has also been informed of the reported unfortunate death of two Nigerians – Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro due to injuries sustained while in the custody of South African Security Agencies.

“It was reported that on 21 April 2026, Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong died while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department. Before his death, he reportedly sustained injuries attributed to personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Reports further indicate that a search of his residence yielded no incriminating evidence.

“The circumstances of his detention and death have raised concerns regarding the conduct of the security personnel involved. Moreso, on 25 April 2026, Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro died at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel.”

During the meeting, the Ministry acknowledged the recent public statements by the President of South Africa and other senior Government officials, including the Minister of Police and the National Police Commissioner, rejecting extrajudicial killings and the looting of foreign nationals’ properties. It underscored the importance of translating these commitments into consistent action on the ground.

The Ministry noted that these incidents, alongside other reported cases, have heightened anxiety within the Nigerian community and require urgent, credible remedial action.

The Government, therefore, requested thorough and impartial investigations into both deaths, including the prompt sharing of preliminary findings and regular updates with the Government of Nigeria.

Nigeria also sought full cooperation in providing autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation, and relevant case files, and in facilitating access to legal processes for the families of the deceased.

“As a precautionary measure, Nigeria emphasised the need for accountability where wrongdoing is established, including appropriate disciplinary and prosecutorial action against implicated personnel.

“The Government of South Africa should ensure the protection of Nigerians living lawfully in the country, including clear directives against profiling, adherence to due process during arrests and detention, and strict enforcement of professional conduct standards by relevant agencies,” he said.

Nigeria also welcomed the signing of the MoU on the Early Warning Mechanism. It called for its speedy activation and implementation as a practical channel for rapid information-sharing and de-escalation when threats to Nigerians emerge.

The Acting High Commissioner, in her response, said that the Nigerian Government’s position will be conveyed to Pretoria. She also stated that the protests are not supported by the South African Government, adding that the issues raised will be addressed to ensure continued peaceful relations between the two countries.