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The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has raised alarm over the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026.
Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, saying the incidents had renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African foreigners in the country.
The deceased were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
According to the Consulate, Igwemmadu died on September 18 after allegedly jumping to his death while attempting to escape what it described as police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in the Central Business District of Bloemfontein.
The statement said, “On 18th September 2026, a Nigerian national, Kenechukwu Christopher IGWEMMADU, allegedly jumped to his death while trying 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 allegedly shot during an altercation with a South African customer.
The Consulate said the dispute began after Olatunde attempted to prevent the customer from leaving the premises with a cup belonging to the club.
It said the customer subsequently pulled out a firearm and shot Olatunde in the lower part of his body, causing serious injuries and heavy blood loss.
The alleged shooter reportedly fled the scene but later returned after realising that witnesses knew his identity, according to the Consulate.
It further alleged that the suspect threatened to kill witnesses who reported the incident or identified him to the police.
Olatunde was taken to Mamelodi Hospital but died from his injuries. He was pronounced dead by doctors on the morning of September 21.
The third case involved 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 content team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.
The Consulate alleged that members of the team arrested and assaulted Nnaemeka during an operation despite reportedly finding nothing incriminating on him.
According to the statement, the encounter escalated into alleged assault and torture before Nnaemeka attempted to escape by jumping over a fence.
The Consulate said he subsequently collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
It also recalled the February 9, 2026 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, whom it said was shot by Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg.
The Consulate said no arrests had been made in that case and noted that Khumalo is currently contesting an election to become Mayor of Ekurhuleni.
Describing the latest deaths as “deeply troubling,” the Consulate said their occurrence within a short period had raised questions about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.
“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 said.
The Consulate called on South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the incidents and prosecute anyone found responsible.
“We continue to call on relevant South African authorities to investigate the deaths thoroughly and bring the perpetrators of the gruesome acts to justice,” it said.
It also stressed that allegations of criminal conduct must not be used as a basis for extrajudicial punishment, insisting that suspects should be subjected to due process.
“Our position remains that NIGERIAN AND ALL LIVES MATTER,” the Consulate said.
It added that anyone accused of wrongdoing should be presumed innocent and given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
The Consulate further appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious amid what it described as ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and insecurity affecting vulnerable African foreigners.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, also reacted to the latest incidents, saying the three deaths had brought the number of Nigerians allegedly killed in South Africa in 2026 to 12.
Fani-Kayode said, “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.”
He further claimed that 112 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa since 2022, including 32 allegedly killed by members of the South African security forces.
Fani-Kayode also alleged that none of those responsible for the killings had been brought to justice or convicted.
“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,” he said.
The Consulate expressed condolences to the families of the three deceased Nigerians and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and fair treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
