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 and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.
Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche said the incidents had renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa and urged authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding each death.
The victims were identified as Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka.
According to the Consulate, Igwemmadu died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building while attempting to escape what was described as police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein.
Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, died three days later after allegedly being shot during a dispute at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.
The Consulate said the dispute reportedly involved a cup belonging to the club. Olatunde was taken to Mamelodi Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound but later died. The alleged shooter was also reported to have returned to the club and threatened witnesses before leaving.
The third case involved Nnaemeka, whose death followed an alleged encounter with South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizok’thola team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.
The Consulate alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted during the encounter and later collapsed while attempting to escape. He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Okey-Uche also recalled the February 9 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Uzor, who the Consulate said was shot during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg. She said no arrests had been made in that case.
The latest incidents come amid wider concerns over the treatment and safety of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. Earlier in September, the Nigerian Consulate issued a safety advisory following the deaths of eight women in and around Ekurhuleni, whose cases were being investigated by South African authorities.
The Consul-General urged Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious while the diplomatic mission continues to pursue their welfare.
She stressed the importance of due process in dealing with the allegations, saying suspects should be presumed innocent and given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
The Consulate’s latest intervention comes as Nigerian authorities and community groups continue to raise concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa and seek investigations into reported deaths and attacks.
