Nigeria’s consulate general in Johannesburg has called for justice over the death of three nationals in separate incidents across South Africa. Their deaths were reported to have occurred between September 18 and 21, amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in the country.
The consul general in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, calling on South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
She also urged the authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible for the deaths of the victims, Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka, are brought to book.
Mr Igwemmadu died on September 18 after jumping from a building while attempting to escape alleged police harassment and brutality at the Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein.
Mr Olatunde, a 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. Mr Olatunde suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on September 21.
The alleged shooter was reported to have returned to the club and threatened witnesses before leaving the scene.
Meanwhile, Mr Nnaemeka was reported to have 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. Mr Nnaemeka was reported to have been assaulted and tortured during the encounter before attempting to escape.
Mrs Okey-Uche said, “He (Mr Nnaemeka) was reported to have collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion, and later pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.”
On February 9, the death of another Nigerian, Emeka Uzor, who was shot during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg, was reported, with no arrests having been made.
“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. All lives matter. Allegations must be handled through due process, with suspects presumed innocent and given an opportunity to defend themselves in court,” the Nigerian diplomat stated.
Mrs Okey-Uche urged Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious, while assuring them to continue to pursue their interests, welfare and fair treatment.