The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has condemned the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents in South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026, and called for thorough investigations.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Consulate said the deaths raised fresh concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in the country, urging South African authorities to bring anyone found responsible to justice.
The first incident occurred on September 18 in Bloemfontein, where Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemadu allegedly died after jumping from a building while trying to escape police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street.
On September 20, a Nigerian security guard, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, was shot at Spanata Bar and Grill Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.
According to the Consulate, Olatunde was shot after an argument with a customer who allegedly attempted to leave the club with one of its cups.
The customer reportedly pulled out a firearm and shot him in the lower body before fleeing the scene.
The Consulate said the suspect later returned and allegedly threatened witnesses who could report the incident or identify him to the police.
Olatunde was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he was confirmed dead on September 21.
The third incident occurred the same day in Primrose, Ekurhuleni, where Nigerian national Christian Hillary Nnaemeka allegedly died following an encounter involving South African politician Xolani Khumalo and his Sizok’thola content team.
The Consulate alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted and tortured by the team despite nothing incriminating being found on him.
It said he attempted to escape by jumping over a fence but collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion before being taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Consulate also recalled the February 9 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who it said was shot by the same television crew in Windsor East, Randburg.
It expressed concern that no arrests had been made in that case, particularly as Khumalo is seeking election as mayor of Ekurhuleni.
The Consulate called on South African authorities to ensure that all the cases are thoroughly investigated and that justice is served.
It also stressed the importance of due process, noting that all suspects must be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“Our position remains that Nigerian and all lives matter,” the Consulate said, adding that allegations must be addressed through established legal processes, regardless of the circumstances.
It said it would continue to engage relevant South African authorities and pursue justice for the victims.
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