Nigerian Consulate Demands Justice Over Deaths of Three Nigerians in South Africa

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

Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, made the call in a statement issued on Monday, urging South African authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

The deceased were identified as Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka. Their deaths have raised fresh concerns over the safety and treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa.

According to the statement, 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 in 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, Pretoria. He sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on September 21.

The Consulate also alleged that the suspected shooter returned to the club after the incident, threatened witnesses and subsequently left the scene.

Meanwhile, Nnaemeka reportedly died on September 21 following an encounter with South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizok’thola team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni. Okey-Uche said Nnaemeka was allegedly assaulted and tortured during the encounter before attempting to escape.

The Consul-General stated that “he (Nnaemeka) was reported to have collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion, and later pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.”

Okey-Uche also recalled the death of another Nigerian, Emeka Uzor, who was reportedly shot during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg, on February 9. She said no arrests had been made in connection with the incident.

The Consul-General expressed concern over the treatment and security of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa amid reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and other forms of ill-treatment.

“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, while assuring them that the consulate would continue to pursue their welfare, interests and fair treatment.