Nigeria Condemns Deaths of Three Nationals in South Africa, Demands Transparent Investigations
The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has condemned the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and September 21, 2026.
The Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement released on Monday, September 28, as the diplomatic mission called for transparent investigations and justice for the victims.
The Nigerians were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, who died in Bloemfontein; Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, who was killed in Pretoria; and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, who died in Ekurhuleni.
Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche
Bloemfontein Death
According to the consulate, Igwemmadu died on September 18 after allegedly jumping to his death while attempting to escape what the mission described as police harassment and brutality.
The incident reportedly occurred at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in the Central Business District of Bloemfontein.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are among the matters the consulate says require investigation.
Nigerian Security Guard Shot in Pretoria
Two days later, on September 20, Olatunde was shot at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.
The consulate said Olatunde worked as a security guard at the establishment and was shot in the lower body by a South African customer whom he had attempted to stop from leaving with a club cup.
He was taken to Mamelodi Hospital but later died from his injuries. Doctors confirmed his death on the morning of September 21.
The consulate further alleged that the shooter initially fled the scene before returning to the club and threatening witnesses who might report the incident or identify him to police.
Third Death in Ekurhuleni
The third reported death involved Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, a 34-year-old father of one, in Primrose, Ekurhuleni, on September 21.
According to the Nigerian Consulate, Nnaemeka was allegedly tortured and killed during an operation involving South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo and members of his crew.
The consulate said the crew allegedly found nothing incriminating on Nnaemeka but continued the assault.
It further stated that Nnaemeka attempted to escape by jumping over a fence before collapsing from his injuries and exhaustion. He was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
These claims remain allegations contained in the consulate’s statement, and the source does not provide the outcome of any independent investigation into Nnaemeka’s death.
Consulate Raises Previous Case
The diplomatic mission also drew attention to the February 8, 2026 death of another Nigerian, 45-year-old Emeka Clement Uzor, in Windsor East, Randburg.
According to the Nigerian Union South Africa, Uzor was allegedly shot more than 12 times at a Caltex filling station while inside his parked vehicle.
The incident reportedly occurred during an anti-drug filming operation involving Khumalo’s reality television crew.
The consulate expressed concern that, despite the seriousness of Uzor’s death, no arrests had been made at the time of its statement.
Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche
Nigeria Demands Action
In response to the latest incidents, the Nigerian Consulate-General said it had formally engaged senior South African authorities.
The mission is demanding transparent investigations and justice for the victims.
Ambassador Okey-Uche also urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant while the diplomatic mission continues to monitor developments.
The deaths have raised fresh concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa and the need for authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding each case.
The immediate focus now is on the investigations and whether those responsible for the reported deaths will be identified and brought before the courts.
Favour Daniel
Comments
This post currently has no comments.