The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has called for justice following the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across South Africa.
The deaths, which reportedly occurred between September 18 and 21, have renewed concerns over the safety and security of Nigerians living in the country.
Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, made the call in a statement issued on Monday, urging South African authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
She also called on the authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible for the deaths of the Nigerian nationals — Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka — is brought to justice.
According to the statement, Igwemmadu died on September 18 after reportedly jumping from a building while attempting to escape alleged police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Bloemfontein.
Two days later, Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, was allegedly shot by an unidentified South African following an argument over a cup belonging to Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.
Olatunde sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where he later died on September 21.
The alleged shooter reportedly returned to the club after the incident and threatened witnesses before leaving the scene.
Meanwhile, Nnaemeka was reported to have died in a separate incident, with further details surrounding his death expected to be established by the relevant authorities.