Nigeria’s Consulate in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of two Nigerian citizens by personnel of the South African National Defence Force, raising fresh concerns over the safety of foreigners in the country.
The victims, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, died in separate incidents in April.
Emmanuel reportedly succumbed to injuries after an alleged assault by military personnel, while Andrew was arrested in Pretoria and later found dead at a mortuary.
Reacting to the development, Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche described the killings as disturbing, saying they had left families, the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in shock.
She called on South African authorities to carry out a full investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. No one should take the law into their hands,” she said, stressing that every individual deserves fair treatment and a proper hearing.
Okey-Uche also warned against the growing tendency to label Nigerians in South Africa as criminals, noting that such generalisations put innocent people at risk.
She urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and continue to obey local laws.
The incidents come amid renewed tension over the treatment of foreign nationals in parts of the country.
In a separate address, Cyril Ramaphosa called on immigrants to respect South Africa’s laws, customs and traditions.
Speaking on Freedom Day, Ramaphosa said the country remains committed to human rights and international cooperation but will enforce its immigration laws.
“Those who are here legally must respect our laws and traditions, just as they would expect the same in their own countries,” he said.
Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, sought to ease fears, saying there is no evidence of a coordinated attack on Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has advised Nigerians in South Africa to avoid confrontations and stay alert, especially as protests in cities like Cape Town, Durban and East London have at times turned violent.
The commission said Nigerian authorities are in contact with their South African counterparts, with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu engaging officials over the situation.
