The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has called for investigations and justice following the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026.
Consul-General Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche urged South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law.
The first incident involved Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, who died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in Bloemfontein while attempting to escape what the Consulate described as alleged police harassment and brutality.
Two days later, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, was allegedly shot by an unidentified South African following an argument at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria. The Consulate said Olatunde was taken to Mamelodi Hospital with a gunshot wound but died on September 21. It also alleged that the suspected shooter later returned to the club and threatened witnesses before leaving the scene.
The third case involved Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, who died on September 21 following an alleged encounter with South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizok’thola team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.
According to the Consulate, Nnaemeka was allegedly assaulted during the encounter before attempting to escape. He reportedly later collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital. The allegations have not been established in court.
The Consul-General also recalled the February 9 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who the mission 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.
The latest deaths have renewed concerns about the safety and treatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa. The Consulate urged Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious while it continues to pursue their welfare and fair treatment.
“Nigerian and all lives matter,” Okey-Uche said, stressing that allegations should be handled through due process, with suspects presumed innocent and given an opportunity to defend themselves in court.
