Nigerian Consulate Seeks Justice Over Deaths of Three Nationals in South Africa
Diplomatic mission calls for investigations into separate deaths reported between September 18 and 21
The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has called on South African authorities to investigate the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across the country and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.
The victims were identified as Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka. Their deaths were reported between September 18 and 21, 2026, according to a statement by Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche.
Igwemmadu Dies After Alleged Police Encounter
The Consul-General said Igwemmadu died on September 18 after reportedly jumping from a building while attempting to escape alleged police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are expected to be established through investigation.
Security Guard Shot in Pretoria
Two days later, Olaniyi Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, was reportedly shot during an argument over a cup belonging to Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.
According to the Consulate, Olatunde sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on September 21.
The alleged shooter was reported to have returned to the nightclub and threatened witnesses before leaving the scene.
Nnaemeka Dies After Alleged Assault
The third victim, Christian Nnaemeka, reportedly 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 Consul-General said Nnaemeka was reportedly assaulted during the encounter before attempting to escape. He allegedly collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion and was later pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
The circumstances and responsibility for the death remain matters for investigation.
Consulate Calls for Due Process
Okey-Uche urged South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding each death and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
She also called for allegations to be handled through due process, stressing that suspects should be presumed innocent and given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
The Consul-General urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious while assuring them that the diplomatic mission would continue to pursue their welfare and fair treatment.
The latest incidents come amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. Earlier in September, Nigeria’s Federal Government also called for investigations into the deaths of Bishop Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo in separate incidents.
