Three Nigerians Dead in Four Days: Consulate Raises Alarm Over Safety in South Africa

By: Ganiyu Olayinka

In the space of four days, three Nigerians lost their lives in separate incidents across South Africa, and Nigeria’s diplomats are now asking hard questions.

The Consulate-General in Johannesburg, led by Consul-General Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, named the victims in a statement on Monday as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka. The deaths occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026.

Bloemfontein, September 18. According to the Consulate, Igwemmadu jumped to his death at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in the city’s central business district. It claims he was trying to get away from police harassment and brutality.

Mamelodi East, Pretoria, September 20. Olatunde worked as a security guard at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club. The Consulate says he tried to stop a customer from leaving with a cup that belonged to the club. An argument followed, and the customer allegedly drew a firearm and shot him in the lower body. The suspect reportedly fled, then came back to the club and threatened to kill any witness who reported him to the police. Olatunde was taken to Mamelodi Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death on the morning of September 21.

Primrose, Ekurhuleni, September 21. The Consulate says Nnaemeka was arrested, beaten and tortured during an operation by the Sizok’thola crew, a content creation team led by politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo. It alleges the team found nothing incriminating on him. He reportedly tried to flee by jumping a fence, collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion, and was declared dead on arrival at hospital.

The Consulate also pointed to an earlier case: Emeka Clement Uzor, who it says was shot dead by Khumalo’s reality TV crew in Windsor East, Randburg, on February 9, 2026. It stressed that no arrests have been made and that Khumalo is currently running to become Mayor of Ekurhuleni.

The statement called the deaths “deeply troubling” and said that, coming so close together, they raise questions about what looks like a pattern of targeting Nigerians. It urged South African authorities to investigate thoroughly and prosecute those responsible. It also insisted that whatever the accusation, nobody should be punished outside the courts, and that everyone deserves the presumption of innocence and a fair hearing. Nigerians in South Africa were advised to stay calm, obey the law and stay alert amid what the Consulate described as ongoing xenophobic and afrophobic attacks.

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, added his voice. He said the latest killings bring the number of Nigerians murdered in South Africa this year to 12, and 112 since 2022, with 32 of those allegedly killed by members of the South African security forces. He claimed nobody has been brought to justice or convicted for any of these crimes. He condemned the killings and repeated his appeal to South African authorities to protect Nigerians and prosecute those responsible.

The Consulate offered its condolences to the families of the three men and said it would keep working to safeguard the welfare and fair treatment of Nigerians in the country.