The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has called on South African authorities to investigate the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.
The deaths of Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka reportedly occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026, raising fresh concerns over the safety and treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, made the call in a statement issued on Monday, September 28.
Okey-Uche urged South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that those responsible, if identified, are brought to justice.
According to her, 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, 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.
Olatunde sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on September 21.
The alleged shooter was said to have returned to the club and threatened witnesses before leaving the scene.
Nnaemeka, meanwhile, 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.
The Consul-General said Nnaemeka was allegedly assaulted and tortured during the encounter before attempting to escape.
“Nnaemeka was reported to have collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion, and later pronounced dead after being taken to hospital,” she said.
Okey-Uche also recalled the reported death of another Nigerian, Emeka Uzor, on February 9, saying he was shot 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.
The Consul-General 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 ill-treatment.
“The recent deaths raise concerns about the treatment and security of Nigerians, and other Africans in South Africa, amid xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and other forms of ill-treatment,” she said.
Okey-Uche stressed the need for due process in handling the allegations, adding that suspects should be presumed innocent and given an opportunity to defend themselves in court.
“All lives matter. Allegations must be handled through due process, with suspects presumed innocent and given opportunity to defend themselves in court,” she said.
She urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious, assuring them that the consulate would continue to pursue their interests, welfare and right to fair treatment.
