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The Nigerian community in South Africa (NICASA) has been thrown into mourning following the alleged killing of a Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, in Johannesburg.
Fakunle, 58, was reportedly attacked at his home in Kensington, Johannesburg, on Friday, September 4, 2026.
The cleric, who hailed from Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was allegedly shot by two assailants who gained access to his residence.
According to the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), the attackers fired several shots at Fakunle, hitting him more than seven times.
NICASA National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, who disclosed the incident in a statement on Thursday, said the killing had caused deep pain among the victim’s relatives, friends and members of the Nigerian community.
Onyekwelu described the reported attack as a senseless act of violence and raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
“This was not merely an ordinary loss of life; it was a horrific and senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a loved one and the Nigerian community of another precious life,” he said.
Following the incident, NICASA said it notified the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg. The association also confirmed that a murder case had been opened at Jeppe Police Station.
The group called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to urgently establish the circumstances that led to Fakunle’s death and determine who was responsible.
Onyekwelu said the investigation must lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators, who should subsequently be prosecuted in accordance with South African law.
“We demand a thorough and credible investigation that will establish exactly what happened, identify all those responsible, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought before the courts to face the full might of the law,” he said.
NICASA also appealed to Nigerian diplomatic officials in South Africa to sustain communication with the country’s law enforcement authorities and follow the investigation closely.
The association said continued monitoring of the case was necessary to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the Nigerian cleric’s death were fully established and justice pursued.
