The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has raised concerns over the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents across South Africa within four days.
The Consul-General, Ambassador Nnikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the incidents occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026.
The victims were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadú, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
According to the Consulate, Igwemmadú allegedly died on September 18 after jumping from a building at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein, while attempting to escape what the mission described as police harassment and brutality.
Two days later, Olatunde, a security guard, was shot at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.
The Consulate said the incident followed an altercation between Olatunde and a South African customer who allegedly attempted to leave the club with a cup belonging to the establishment.
According to the statement, the customer pulled out a firearm and shot Olatunde in the lower part of his body, causing severe blood loss.
Olatunde was taken to Mamelodi Hospital but died from his injuries on September 21.
The Consulate alleged that the suspected shooter fled the scene but later returned and threatened witnesses who might report or identify him to the police.
The third victim, Nnaemeka, allegedly died on September 21 following an encounter with South African politician and investigative content creator, Xolani Khumalo, and members of his Sizok’thola content-creation team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.
The Consulate alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted and tortured during the encounter after the team failed to find anything incriminating on him.
It said Nnaemeka subsequently attempted to escape by jumping over a fence but collapsed from injuries and exhaustion.
He was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival, according to the mission.
The Consulate described the three deaths as “deeply troubling” and called on South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations and prosecute anyone found responsible.
It also stressed that allegations of criminal activity should not be used to justify extrajudicial action, saying suspects should be presumed innocent and given a fair hearing in court.
The mission further appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious amid what it described as ongoing xenophobic and anti-foreigner threats and insecurity.
The Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, also condemned the killings.
Fani-Kayode said the three deaths had brought the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026 to 12.
He further claimed that 112 Nigerians had been killed in the country since 2022, including 32 allegedly killed by members of the South African security forces.
He called on South African authorities to protect Nigerians and ensure that those responsible for the killings were brought to justice.
The Consulate extended condolences to the families of the three victims and said it would continue to work for the welfare and fair treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.
The mission’s account of the deaths contains allegations that remain subject to investigation and due process.
