Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria has called on South African authorities to investigate the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents between Sept. 18 and 21, amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in the country, Prime Business Africa reports.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg identified the deceased as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
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Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, in a statement issued on Monday, urged South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Igwemmadu died on Sept. 18 after allegedly jumping from a building at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in Bloemfontein while attempting to escape what the consulate described as police harassment and brutality.
Two days later, Olatunde, a security guard at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, was allegedly shot during an altercation with a customer, according to the consulate. The dispute reportedly began after Olatunde attempted to prevent the customer from leaving the club with a cup belonging to the establishment. Olatunde was taken to Mamelodi Hospital but died from his injuries on Sept. 21.
The consulate said the alleged shooter fled the scene but later returned and threatened witnesses after realising that his identity was known. It did not state whether an arrest had been made.
Nnaemeka died on Sept. 21 following an encounter with South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizok’thola team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni, the consulate said. According to the statement, the team allegedly assaulted and tortured Nnaemeka during an operation before he attempted to escape by jumping over a fence. He later collapsed and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The consulate also linked Nnaemeka’s death to the Feb. 9 killing of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who it said was shot during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg. The consulate said no arrests had been made in that case.
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Okey-Uche said the latest deaths raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, while stressing that allegations should be addressed through due process and that suspects are entitled to a fair hearing. She urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious.
The Consulate said it would continue to engage South African authorities on the welfare and fair treatment of Nigerians and expressed condolences to the families of the three deceased.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
