The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has called for justice following the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across South Africa.
The deaths occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026, raising fresh concerns about the safety and treatment of Nigerians living in the country.
The deceased were identified as Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, called on South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
She also urged authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible for unlawful conduct faces the law.
The Consul-General stressed that allegations must be investigated through due process and that suspects should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
According to the Consulate, Igwemmadu died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building while attempting to escape alleged police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court in Bloemfontein.
Two days later, Olatunde, who worked as a security guard, was allegedly shot following an argument at a nightclub in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.
He reportedly sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he later died on September 21.
The Consulate said the alleged shooter subsequently returned to the nightclub and threatened witnesses before leaving the area.
The third case involved 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 injuries and exhaustion and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
The allegations have not been established as facts in court, and investigations are expected to determine what happened and whether anyone should face criminal charges.
The Nigerian diplomatic mission said the latest deaths had increased concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.
The Consul-General also referred to previous reports of xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and other forms of ill-treatment.
She urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious while assuring them that the diplomatic mission would continue engaging relevant authorities over their welfare and fair treatment.
The Consulate’s call for investigations comes as Nigerian community groups and diplomatic officials continue to seek greater protection and accountability for Nigerians living in South Africa.
