Three Nigerians Die in South Africa as Consulate Demands Justice

The deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents across South Africa within four days have reignited concerns over the safety of Nigerian nationals in the country, with the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg demanding thorough investigations and justice for the victims.

The three Nigerians, identified as Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka, reportedly died between September 18 and September 21 under circumstances involving alleged police harassment, gun violence and physical assault.

Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, calling on South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

The incidents, which occurred in different locations across the country, have heightened anxieties among Nigerians and renewed questions about their safety and treatment in South Africa.

The first incident involved Igwemmadu, who reportedly died on September 18 after jumping from a building while allegedly attempting to escape police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein.

The circumstances surrounding the incident have raised concerns about the conduct of law enforcement officers and the protection of foreign nationals, with the consulate urging a comprehensive investigation into the events that led to his death.

Two days later, tragedy struck again when 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.

According to the consulate, Olatunde sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on September 21.

The alleged assailant was reported to have returned to the nightclub after the shooting and threatened witnesses before leaving the scene, raising further concerns about the safety of those who may have information about the incident.

The third case involved Nnaemeka, who 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.

According to the consul-general, the Nigerian national subsequently collapsed from injuries and exhaustion.

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

The latest deaths have also revived memories of an earlier incident involving another Nigerian, Emeka Uzor, who reportedly died on February 9 after being shot during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg.

Okey-Uche said no arrests had been made in connection with Uzor’s death, underscoring the need for accountability and effective investigations into incidents involving Nigerian nationals.

The growing number of reported deaths has intensified concerns about the treatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, particularly against the backdrop of recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and other forms of alleged ill-treatment.

The consulate warned that the incidents should not be treated lightly, stressing the importance of protecting human lives and ensuring that allegations of wrongdoing are addressed through established legal procedures.

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

Her remarks highlighted the need to balance the pursuit of justice for victims with respect for the rule of law, insisting that allegations must be properly investigated and suspects afforded the opportunity to defend themselves in court.

For the Nigerian community in South Africa, the deaths have renewed calls for stronger protection, prompt investigations and justice for victims of violence, regardless of nationality.

The consulate urged Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious while assuring them that it would continue to pursue their interests, welfare and fair treatment.

As investigations into the incidents are awaited, the central demand from the Nigerian diplomatic mission remains clear: the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be established, those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law, and the safety and dignity of Nigerians living in South Africa must be protected.