More Nigerians Killed in South Africa, Death Toll Reaches Twelve

More Nigerians are losing their lives in South Africa due to rising xenophobic violence in the country.

The Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, announced on Monday night that three more Nigerians were killed in separate incidents.

Mr Fani-Kayode said these killings happened in September on the “18th, 20th, and 21st.”

This brings the number of Nigerians murdered this year to at least 12.

The Nigerian consulate in South Africa identified the victims as Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde, and Christian Nnaemeka. The consulate says their deaths are linked to violent police actions and some private individuals.

Mr Igwemmadu reportedly jumped to his death while trying to escape police harassment in Bloemfontein on September 18.

Reports suggest that police are responsible for most of the killings of Nigerians since the latest xenophobic violence began earlier this year. Mr Fani-Kayode previously said that at least five Nigerians have been killed by state officials in recent months.

Another Nigerian was killed in Pretoria two days later. An unidentified South African shot Mr Olatunde at a club.

“Upon noticing the grievous harm done, the shooter immediately fled the scene. However, on realizing that many at the club knew his identity, he later returned and threatened to kill any witnesses who dare to report the case,” the consulate said in a statement.

The third victim was killed the next day in Primrose by a group allegedly led by a South African politician named Xolani Khumalo.

Mr Nnaemeka was tortured to death in an operation “conducted by members of the Sizok’thola team led by Khumalo,” the consulate added.

Investigations into the earlier deaths have not produced any results. No arrests have been made, and harassment and torture of Nigerians continue.

The consulate condemned the murders of the Nigerians, as it did in previous cases. Just three weeks ago, another group of Nigerians was killed.

The consulate described these incidents as “deeply troubling” and stated that they “continue to raise numerous questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.”

“The recent deaths of the three Nigerians, coming in quick succession, also raise questions about a pattern of targeting Nigerians in South Africa,” it said.

The ambassador also mentioned that 112 Nigerians have been killed since 2022, with “32 of the victims being killed by members of the South African security forces.”

“Not one person has been brought to justice or convicted for ANY of these crimes,” he declared.

“I condemn these killings, and once again I appeal to the South African authorities to bring those responsible to justice and to protect our people,” he added.