Consulate demands justice over alleged attacks, deaths of Nigerians in South Africa

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has called for justice over the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026.

The Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, urged South African authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is dealt with according to the law.

The first case involved Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, who died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein.

According to the Consulate, Igwemmadu was trying to escape alleged police harassment and brutality when he fell from the building.

Two days later, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, was allegedly shot at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, following an argument over a cup belonging to the club.

The Consulate said Olatunde sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on September 21.

“The alleged shooter later returned to the club, where he threatened witnesses before leaving the scene,” the Consulate said.

The third case involved Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, who 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 alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted during the encounter before attempting to escape. It said he later collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

The allegations have not been established in court, and the Consulate is calling for the circumstances of the deaths to be properly investigated.

Okey-Uche also recalled the February 9 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who the Consulate said was shot during an encounter involving Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg.

“No arrests have been made in connection with the case,” the Consulate said.

Okey-Uche said the latest incidents had raised fresh concerns over the safety and treatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

“Nigerian and all lives matter,” the Consul-General said.

The Consulate stressed that the allegations should be handled through due process and that suspects must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

“We urge Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious as we continue to work for their welfare and fair treatment,” the Consulate said.

It also called on the relevant authorities to establish the facts in each case and ensure that anyone found to have violated the law faces justice.”