The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has called for justice over the death of three Nigerians in separate incidents across South Africa.
Their death was reported to have occurred between Sept. 18 and Sept. 21, amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in the country.
Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said in a statement issued on Monday that the South African authorities should establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
She urged the authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible for the passing of the Nigerian nationals, namely; Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka, faces the law.
She added that Igwemmadu died on Sept. 18 after jumping from a building while attempting to escape alleged police harassment and brutality at the Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein.
She noted that two days later, Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, was allegedly shot by unidentified South African, following an argument over a cup belonging to Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.
Olatunde suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died on Sept. 21.
The alleged shooter was reported to have returned to the club and threatened witnesses before leaving the scene.
Meanwhile, Nnaemeka was reported to have died on Sept. 21, following 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 that Nnaemeka was reported to have been assaulted and tortured during the encounter before attempting to escape.
“Nnaemeka) was reported to have collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion, and later pronounced dead after being taken to hospital,” Okey-Uche said.
She recounted that on Feb. 9, there was reported death of another Nigerian, Emeka Uzor, who was shot during encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg, saying no arrests had been made.
“The recent deaths raise concerns about the treatment and security of Nigerians, and other Africans in South Africa, amid xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and other forms of ill-treatment.
“All lives matter. Allegations must be handled through due process, with suspects presumed innocent and given opportunity to defend themselves in court,” she said.
The Consul-General, therefore, urged Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious, while assuring to continue to pursue their interest, welfare and fair treatment.
GIK/APA