The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has called on South African authorities to investigate the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents between September 18 and 21, amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in the country.
Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, made the call in a statement issued on Monday, urging authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The deceased were identified as Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka.
According to the statement, Igwemmadu died on September 18 after reportedly jumping from a building while attempting to escape alleged police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein.
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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 reportedly sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on September 21.
The Consulate said the alleged shooter subsequently returned to the nightclub, threatened witnesses and later left the scene.
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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.
Okey-Uche said Nnaemeka was allegedly assaulted and tortured during the encounter before attempting to escape.
“He was reported to have collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion, and later pronounced dead after being taken to hospital,” the Consul-General said.
The latest deaths have also brought renewed attention to the reported killing of another Nigerian, Emeka Uzor, who was allegedly shot on February 9 during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg.
The Consul-General said no arrests had been made in connection with Uzor’s death.
Expressing concern over the incidents, Okey-Uche warned that the deaths raised serious questions about the treatment and security of Nigerians and other Africans living in South Africa, particularly amid reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and other forms of ill-treatment.
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“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 stressed the importance of accountability and the rule of law, urging South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the reported incidents and ensure that justice is served.
She also called on Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious while the Consulate continues to pursue their interests, welfare and fair treatment.
The incidents have renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, with the Consulate seeking answers from the relevant authorities over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
