Three More Nigerians Killed in South Africa, Death Toll Rises to 12
Three more Nigerians have been killed in separate incidents in South Africa, bringing the number of Nigerian nationals reported killed in the country this year to 12, according to Nigerian authorities.
The latest victims were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka. The deaths occurred between September 18 and 21 in Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Primrose, respectively.
According to the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg, Igwemadu allegedly died after jumping from a building while trying to escape what the mission described as police harassment in Bloemfontein.
Olatunde, a security guard at a nightclub in Pretoria, was reportedly shot during an altercation with a customer and later died from his injuries.
Nnaemeka died following an alleged encounter with the Sizok’thola team led by South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo in Primrose. The Nigerian consulate alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted during the operation before he attempted to escape and later collapsed. The circumstances remain subject to investigation.
Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, said the latest deaths brought the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa since 2022 to 112, including 32 whom he said were killed by South African security forces. He called for investigations and prosecution of those found responsible.
The Nigerian Consulate described the latest cases as “deeply troubling” and urged South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
