Nigeria Demands Justice Over Deaths of Three Citizens in South Africa

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has called on South African authorities to investigate the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents between September 18 and 21, 2026, and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

Consul General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche identified the deceased as Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka. In a statement issued on Monday, she urged authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that justice is served.

According to the consulate, Igwemmadu died on September 18 after reportedly jumping from a building while trying to escape alleged police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in Bloemfontein.

Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, was allegedly shot by an unidentified South African on September 20 following an argument over a cup belonging to Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria. He was taken to Mamelodi Hospital with a gunshot wound but died the following day. The alleged shooter reportedly returned to the club, threatened witnesses and left.

Nnaemeka also 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. The consulate said Nnaemeka was reportedly assaulted and tortured before attempting to escape. Okey-Uche said he later collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

The consul general also recalled the death of another Nigerian, Emeka Uzor, who died on February 9 during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg. She said no arrest had been made in connection with Uzor’s death.

Okey-Uche said the deaths had raised concerns about the safety and treatment of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa amid reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and other forms of ill-treatment. She urged Nigerians in the country to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious, adding that the consulate would continue to pursue their welfare and fair treatment.