Nigerian consulate condemns deaths of three nationals in South Africa
Nigeria’s Consulate-General in Johannesburg has called for investigations after three Nigerians died in separate incidents in South Africa between September 18 and 21. The consulate attributed the deaths to alleged police harassment, a shooting at a nightclub and alleged torture during an operation by a content-creation team.
Nigeria’s Consulate-General in Johannesburg has condemned the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026, and called on authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible. The victims were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadú, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka. Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche said the deaths had renewed concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in the country.
According to the consulate, Igwemmadú allegedly died on September 18 after jumping from Kenlin Court in Bloemfontein while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality. The account was presented as an allegation by the consulate. Olatunde, a security guard, was shot at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, on September 20.
The consulate said he had challenged a South African customer who was allegedly attempting to leave with a cup belonging to the club. It said the customer drew a firearm, shot Olatunde and later threatened witnesses before Olatunde died in hospital. The third victim, Nnaemeka, allegedly died after being assaulted during an operation by the Sizok’thola team led by South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo.
The consulate said the team detained and beat him despite allegedly finding nothing incriminating, after which he collapsed while attempting to escape. The consulate also recalled the February death of Emeka Clement Uzor, who it said was shot by Khumalo’s reality television crew. Nigeria’s High Commissioner, Femi Fani-Kayode, said the latest cases brought the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa during 2026 to 12, and alleged that those responsible had not been convicted.
The consulate urged South African authorities to act, stressing that allegations of wrongdoing could not justify extrajudicial punishment. It also appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.