By: Odeh Favour Adiya
The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has strongly condemned the tragic deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026.
The Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, noting that the incidents have raised fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners living in the country.
The three victims were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadú, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
Providing details on the occurrences, the diplomatic mission stated that on September 18, 2026, Igwemmadú allegedly jumped to his death while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Central Business District (CBD), Bloemfontein.
Two days later, Olatunde, who worked as a security guard at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, was shot after attempting to prevent a South African customer from leaving the premises with a cup belonging to the establishment.
“This resulted in an altercation and the South African pulled out his firearm and shot OLATUNDE in his lower body part, leading to a serious injury and profuse loss of blood,” the Consulate revealed.
The diplomatic mission noted that the shooter initially fled the scene but later returned after realising his identity was known to several witnesses.
“He later returned to the Club and threatened to also kill any witnesses who dares to report the case and identify him to the Police,” the statement added.
Olatunde was rushed to Mamelodi Hospital, where he eventually died from the gunshot injury and was confirmed dead by doctors on the morning of September 21.
The third victim, Nnaemeka, was allegedly tortured and killed on September 21 by South African politician and investigative content creator, Xolani Khumalo, along with members of his content creation team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.
The incident occurred during an operation conducted by members of the Sizok’thola team led by Khumalo.
“The encounter allegedly led to assault, torture and death,” the Consulate stated.
It further alleged that the team arrested, beat, and tortured Nnaemeka despite finding nothing incriminating on him.
“According to the account, despite not finding anything incriminating on the deceased, the crew arrested, beat and tortured him before he eventually attempted to escape from the team by jumping over a fence,” the statement read.
Nnaemeka subsequently collapsed from injuries and exhaustion and was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Consulate also recalled the death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who was shot dead by Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg, on February 9, 2026.
“Yet, no arrests have been made and Xolani KHUMALO is currently running for election to become the Mayor of Ekurhuleni,” the Consulate lamented.
Expressing deep concern over the trend, the Consulate described the latest deaths as “deeply troubling” and stated that they raised serious questions about the safety of foreigners.
“The recent deaths of the three (3) Nigerians, coming in quick succession, also raises questions about what seems to be a pattern of targeting Nigerians in South Africa,” it stressed.
Calling for immediate official intervention, the statement read, “We continue to call on relevant South African authorities to investigate the deaths thoroughly and bring the perpetrators of the gruesome acts to justice.”
The Consulate emphasized that suspicion of wrongdoing should never be a justification for violence.
“Our position remains that NIGERIAN AND ALL LIVES MATTER,” the statement asserted.
“In cases where allegations may exists, no matter what the allegations may be, there are processes and steps to justice.
All should be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take laws into their own hands,” it added.
Appealing for calm among the Nigerian community, the Consulate urged citizens to remain vigilant.
“We appeal to our nationals to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious in the midst of the ongoing xenophobic/afrophobic attacks, threats of attacks, general insecurity and ill-treatment being meted out to many vulnerable black African foreigners in South Africa, especially Nigerians,” it advised.
Extending condolences to the bereaved families, the Consulate-General assured citizens of its ongoing commitment.
“While we pray for their souls to rest in peace, we are poised to continue to fulfil our mandate of overseeing the welfare and fair treatment of all Nigerians in the country,” it noted.
Reiterating the gravity of the situation, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, confirmed that the latest incidents bring the total number of Nigerians killed in the country this year alone to 12.
“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,” he revealed.
The High Commissioner expressed frustration over the lack of prosecution following these killings.
“Not one person has been brought to justice or convicted for ANY of these crimes,” Fani-Kayode stated.
“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 High Commissioner concluded.
