Nigeria Envoy Says Three Additional Citizens Killed in South Africa

Three additional Nigerians have been killed in South Africa in separate recent incidents, according to Nigeria's ambassador-designate to the country, Femi Fani-Kayode. In a statement released on Monday, September 28, Fani-Kayode said the most recent deaths took place on September 18, 20, and 21, 2026, raising to 12 the number of Nigerians allegedly killed in South Africa this year. He said the Nigerian Consul-General in Johannesburg had informed him of the cases, and that a formal statement from the Nigerian Consulate contained the details. Fani-Kayode added that 112 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since 2022, among them 32 who were allegedly killed by South African security personnel. He also alleged that no one responsible for the killings had been brought to justice or convicted. Condemning the newest deaths, he called on South African authorities to investigate, bring perpetrators to justice, and take measures to safeguard Nigerians living in the country. He offered condolences to the victims' families and loved ones and prayed for the repose of their souls. The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg also formally condemned the deaths of the three Nigerians, noting that the incidents happened in different parts of South Africa between September 18 and 21. In a statement signed by Consul-General Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the mission named the victims as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka. According to the Consulate, Igwemmadu allegedly jumped to his death on September 18 while trying to flee police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in the Central Business District of Bloemfontein. It said Olatunde, a security guard, was shot on September 20 at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria. The Consulate stated that Olatunde had tried to prevent a South African customer from leaving the club with a cup owned by the establishment, after which an altercation reportedly occurred. The customer allegedly drew a firearm and shot Olatunde in the lower body, causing severe injury and significant blood loss. The suspected shooter reportedly left the scene but came back later and threatened witnesses after learning that his identity was known. Olatunde was taken to Mamelodi Hospital but died from his wounds and was confirmed dead by doctors on September 21. The Consulate said the third victim, Nnaemeka, died after an encounter with the Sizok’thola team, which is led by South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo, in Primrose, Ekurhuleni, on September 21. It alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted and tortured during an operation by members of the team. The mission said the team allegedly arrested and beat Nnaemeka even though no incriminating items were found on him. According to the statement, Nnaemeka then tried to escape by jumping over a fence but collapsed because of his injuries and exhaustion. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, the Consulate said. The mission also recalled the February 9, 2026, death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who it said was shot dead by the same Xolani Khumalo reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg. It said no arrests had been made in Uzor's death and noted that Khumalo is currently campaigning for election as mayor of Ekurhuleni. The Consulate described the latest incidents as "deeply troubling" and said they raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa. It urged relevant South African authorities to carry out thorough investigations and prosecute anyone found responsible. The mission emphasized that allegations should be addressed through established legal processes and that suspects should be considered innocent until proven guilty. The Consulate further encouraged Nigerians in South Africa to stay calm, obey the law, and remain security-conscious amid continuing xenophobic and "Afrophobic" attacks, threats, general insecurity, and mistreatment of vulnerable black African foreigners, especially Nigerians. It extended condolences to the families of the three deceased Nigerians and said it remained committed to its mandate of protecting the welfare and ensuring fair treatment of Nigerian nationals in South Africa. The development came barely two weeks after Fani-Kayode expressed concern over the deaths of two other Nigerians in South Africa. On September 11, he condemned the killing of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle, who was shot at his home in Johannesburg on September 4, and the death of James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, who reportedly died on September 5 after an encounter with South African police.