By Oscar Okhifo
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the killing of three Nigerians in separate incidents within four days, calling on the South African authorities to investigate the deaths and bring those responsible to justice.
Fani-Kayode said the latest incidents had brought to 12 the number of Nigerians allegedly murdered in South Africa this year, while 112 Nigerians had been killed in the country since 2022.
According to him, 32 of those killed since 2022 were victims of actions involving members of the South African security forces.
The High Commissioner, in posts on his Facebook and X accounts, shared a statement by the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg detailing the latest incidents and expressed concern over the lack of prosecutions in previous cases.
“It has been brought to my attention by the Nigerian Consul in Johannesburg that 3 more Nigerians have been murdered in three separate incidents in South Africa in the space of 4 days this month alone,” Fani-Kayode said.
“This brings the total number of Nigerians murdered in South Africa this year alone to 12 whilst 112 have been murdered since 2022 with 32 of the victims being killed by members of the South African security forces.”
Fani-Kayode said the absence of prosecutions in previous cases was particularly troubling and urged the South African authorities to ensure that the latest incidents were properly investigated.
“Not one person has been brought to justice or convicted for ANY of these crimes,” he said.
“I condemn these killings and once again I appeal to the South African authorities to bring those that are responsible for them to justice and to protect our people.”
The Nigerian Consulate-General said the first of the three latest incidents occurred on September 18 in Bloemfontein, where Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu allegedly jumped to his death while attempting to escape what the Consulate described as police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in the Central Business District.
On September 20, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, was allegedly shot after attempting to stop a customer from leaving the premises with 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. It also alleged that the shooter later returned to the club and threatened witnesses.
The third victim, Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, 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.
According to the Consulate, Nnaemeka was allegedly assaulted during the encounter before attempting to escape. It said he later collapsed from injuries and exhaustion and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital. The allegations have not been established in court.
The Consulate has called for the circumstances surrounding the three deaths to be established and for anyone found to have violated the law to face justice.
The incidents have renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, particularly in cases involving alleged police abuse, violent encounters and attacks by private individuals.
The Consulate also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious while diplomatic efforts to protect their welfare and secure fair treatment continue.
The latest deaths come amid longstanding concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa. The Nigerian mission has previously raised concerns over the killing of Nigerian nationals and called for investigations and accountability.
Fani-Kayode’s latest intervention is therefore expected to add diplomatic pressure on South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that any persons found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.