The Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has strongly condemned the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday, Consul-General Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche expressed deep concern over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in the country following these tragic events.
The victims were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadú, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
According to the Consulate, Mr. Igwemmadú allegedly fell to his death on September 18 while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, in the Central Business District of Bloemfontein. The statement read: “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, Mr. Olatunde, a security guard at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, was shot after intervening to stop a customer from leaving the premises with club property. The Consulate explained, “This resulted in an altercation, and the South African pulled out his firearm and shot Olatunde in his lower body, leading to serious injury and profuse loss of blood.” The shooter initially fled the scene but later returned and reportedly threatened witnesses. Olatunde was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he died from his injuries on the morning of September 21.
The third victim, Mr. Nnaemeka, was allegedly assaulted and killed on September 21 by South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo and members of his team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni. The incident reportedly occurred during an operation led by Khumalo’s Sizok’thola team. The Consulate stated, “The encounter allegedly led to assault, torture, and death.” Despite not finding anything incriminating on Nnaemeka, the crew reportedly beat and tortured him. He attempted to escape by jumping over a fence but collapsed from injuries and exhaustion, and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The Consulate also recalled the death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who was shot dead by Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg, on February 9, 2026. The Consulate noted, “Yet, no arrests have been made and Xolani Khumalo is currently running for election to become the Mayor of Ekurhuleni.”
Describing the recent deaths as “deeply troubling,” the Consulate raised concerns about a possible pattern of targeting Nigerians in South Africa. “The recent deaths of three Nigerians, coming in quick succession, raise questions about what seems to be a pattern of targeting Nigerians in South Africa,” the statement said.
The Consulate called on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate these incidents and bring those responsible to justice. It emphasized that allegations of wrongdoing should never justify extrajudicial actions, stating: “Our position remains that Nigerian and all lives matter. In cases where allegations may exist, due process must be followed. All should be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their own hands.”
The Consulate further urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant in light of ongoing xenophobic attacks and insecurity affecting black African foreigners, especially Nigerians.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, also commented on the developments, noting that the latest incidents bring the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026 to 12. “It has been brought to my attention by the Nigerian Consul in Johannesburg that three more Nigerians have been murdered in three separate incidents in South Africa in the space of four days this month alone,” he said. “This brings the total number of Nigerians murdered in South Africa this year to 12, while 112 have been murdered since 2022, with 32 of the victims killed by members of the South African security forces.”
Fani-Kayode noted that none of those responsible for these crimes have been brought to justice. He condemned the killings and urged South African authorities to protect Nigerians and prosecute those responsible.
The Consulate-General extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and fair treatment of Nigerians in South Africa. “While we pray for their souls to rest in peace, we will continue to fulfill our mandate of overseeing the welfare and fair treatment of all Nigerians in the country,” the statement concluded.
