The Nigerian community in South Africa has been plunged into fresh grief following the killing of Emeka Uzor, a Nigerian national, in what has been described as a suspected assassination.
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) confirmed the incident in a statement released on Monday in Abuja and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to the statement, jointly signed by NUSA President Smart Nwobi and National Publicity Secretary Akindele Olunloyo, Uzor was fatally shot at about 3 p.m. on Sunday at a Carltex petrol station in Windsor East, Randburg, Johannesburg.
The union disclosed that the deceased, who hailed from Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, was attacked while seated in his vehicle.
Describing the killing as deeply disturbing, NUSA said the incident fits into a growing and troubling pattern of violent attacks against Nigerian nationals living in South Africa.
The union called on the South African Police Service, particularly the Minister of Police and the National Commissioner, to launch a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the killing, insisting that anyone found responsible must face the full weight of the law.
NUSA further urged South African authorities to take urgent steps to address what it described as recurring and targeted violence against Nigerians in the country.
The union also appealed to the Nigerian government, through the Nigerian High Commission South Africa and the Consulate-General, to intensify diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to protect Nigerian lives and interests.
It encouraged the Nigerian Mission to collaborate closely with NUSA, as a community-based organisation, to pursue diplomatic and legal solutions to the persistent attacks.
While expressing confidence in South Africa’s justice system, the union said it hoped that a diligent investigation would lead to the identification and prosecution of those responsible, allowing the victim’s family to find closure.
NUSA also urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding despite the tragedy, assuring the community that it is working with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.
