Following the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across South Africa, the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has called for thorough investigations and justice.
The deaths of Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka reportedly occurred between September 18 and 21, raising renewed concerns over the safety and treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, urging South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding each death and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
According to the Consul-General, 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 in 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, threatened witnesses and subsequently fled the scene.
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 during the encounter before attempting to escape. He reportedly later collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
The Consul-General also recalled the February 9 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Uzor, who was reportedly shot during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg. She said no arrests had been made in connection with the case.
Okey-Uche said the latest incidents had heightened concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, particularly amid reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and other forms of alleged ill-treatment.
She called for all the cases to be subjected to due process, stressing that allegations must be properly investigated and that suspects should be presumed innocent and given the opportunity to defend themselves before a court of law.
