The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has demanded justice over the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026, amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in the country.
Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, in a statement called on the South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.
The Consulate says Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu dies on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building while attempting to escape alleged police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein.
Two days later, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, is allegedly shot by an unidentified South African at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, following an argument over a cup belonging to the club.
According to the Consulate, Olatunde suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on September 21.
It said the alleged shooter later returned to the club and threatened witnesses before leaving the scene.
The third case involved Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, who the Consulate said 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 and tortured during the encounter before attempting to escape.
He later collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
Okey-Uche also recalled the February 9 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who the Consulate said was shot during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg, adding that no arrests have been made in that case.
The Consulate said the recent deaths raises concerns about the treatment and security of Nigerians and other African foreigners in South Africa, amid what it describes as xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and other forms of ill-treatment.
“Nigerian and all lives matter,” Okey-Uche said, stressing that “allegations must be handled through due process, with suspects presumed innocent and given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
“The Consulate urges Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious while it continues to pursue their welfare and fair treatment.”
