Two Nigerians killed in South Africa, Consulate demands investigation into xenophobic violence

The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerian nationals, identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in separate incidents in South Africa, amid growing concerns over xenophobic tensions and alleged abuses involving security personnel.

According to a statement issued on Monday and reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said the consulate has opened formal engagements with South African authorities following the incidents, which have sparked outrage within the Nigerian community and diplomatic circles.

Okey-Uche disclosed that Emmanuel reportedly died on April 20 from injuries sustained after being allegedly assaulted by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The consulate said the circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, but initial reports suggest he was severely beaten before succumbing to his injuries.

In a separate case, Andrew was said to have been apprehended on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged confrontation with officers of the Tshwane Metro Police Department.

He was later discovered dead at the Pretoria Central Mortuary under circumstances that have raised further concerns among diplomatic officials.

The consulate described both incidents as deeply disturbing, noting that they have left the victims’ families, the Nigerian community in South Africa, and diplomatic missions in shock.

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Okey-Uche confirmed that a formal case has been lodged with the South African Police Service (SAPS), while also urging the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to carry out a transparent and impartial investigation.

“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.

She further stressed that due process must always be followed, regardless of allegations, insisting that every individual is entitled to fair hearing under the law.

“No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands,” she added.

The consul-general also raised concern over what she described as a growing trend of profiling Nigerians as criminals in parts of South Africa, warning that such generalisations are dangerous and could further inflame tensions.

She urged restraint and called for calm among Nigerians living in South Africa while investigations continue.

Okey-Uche said the consulate is actively engaging relevant South African authorities to ensure accountability and provide support to the bereaved families, adding that diplomatic channels remain open to resolve the matter peacefully.

The incident comes at a time of heightened sensitivity over xenophobic tensions in South Africa, where foreign nationals—particularly from other African countries—have periodically faced violence, discrimination, and hostility linked to socio-economic pressures.