Nigerian Consulate Raises Alarm Over Deaths of Three Nigerians in South Africa

The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has raised concerns over the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026.

Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement, saying the incidents had renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals living 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 from a building while attempting to escape what it described as police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court in Bloemfontein.

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 South African customer.

The Consulate said the dispute reportedly began after Olatunde attempted to stop the customer from leaving the premises with a cup belonging to the club. The customer allegedly produced a firearm and shot him.

Olatunde was taken to Mamelodi Hospital but later died from his injuries. The alleged shooter reportedly fled the scene but subsequently returned and allegedly threatened witnesses who had identified him to the police.

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 Nnaemeka was arrested and assaulted during the operation despite the team reportedly finding nothing incriminating on him. It said the encounter escalated before Nnaemeka attempted to escape, subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Consulate also recalled the February 9, 2026 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who it said was shot by members of Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg.

The Consulate called for thorough investigations into the latest incidents and urged South African authorities to prosecute anyone found responsible.

It also stressed that allegations of criminal conduct should not result in extrajudicial punishment, insisting that anyone accused of wrongdoing must be subjected to due process.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, said the latest deaths had allegedly increased the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026 to 12.

Fani-Kayode also claimed that 112 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa since 2022, including 32 allegedly killed by members of South African security forces. These figures were presented as claims by the High Commissioner.

The Consulate urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious while calling for stronger protection of Nigerian citizens and other vulnerable African foreigners.

It 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.