The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in South Africa as xenophobic tensions continue to escalate.
In a statement issued on Monday, the consul-general, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being assaulted by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.
She added that Andrew was arrested on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria after an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
Okey-Uche said the incidents, both involving security personnel, have left the victims’ families, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions deeply shaken.
She disclosed that a formal case has been filed with the South African Police Service and called on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to carry out a thorough and transparent probe.
“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.
“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.”
The consul-general also noted that the consulate is working with relevant authorities and will support the families of the victims.
She cautioned against the increasing trend of profiling Nigerians as criminals, describing it as dangerous, and urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations are ongoing.