The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg and the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) have condemned killing of the citizens in South Africa in the ongoing xenophobic attacks on Africa nationals.
In separate statements, the Consulate and the union called for probe of the killings and dispensation of justice by the South African authorities.
In two separate statements released on Saturday and signed by its Consul General, Amb. (Mrs.) Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, the Consulate General in Johannesburg lamented the killing of two Nigerians on June 28.
The Consul General said one national, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by some officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on 28th June, 2026 in Sunnyside, Pretoria.
It said report of the brutal incident that led to Iroegbu’s death has caused so much shock and pain to the Nigerian Community and Diplomatic Missions in South Africa.
It recalled that on 20th April, 2026, the same Tshwane Metro Police were allegedly responsible for the extra-judicial killings of another Nigerian national, Mr. Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, whose case remains pending, with no arrests made, despite the fact that the four police officers involved in the incident are known to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“Mr. Iroegbu’s death coming at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa, raises questions about what seems to be a deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working and respectable Nigerians in the country as criminals,” Okey-Uche stated.
“It also raises further questions over the general safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.”
While condemning extrajudicial killings, the Consulate maintained that no matter what the allegations or suspicions may be, there are lawful processes and steps to justice. “All must be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take laws into their own hands,” it added.
In another statement, dated Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Consulate General stated that another Nigerian national identified as Musa Yunana Joe was killed by suspected criminals on 28th June, 2026 in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
She stated that the continuing pattern of such terrible incidents raises questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.
She called on South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations and ensure that the perpetrators are punished in accordance with the law.
While extending condolences to the family of the deceased, the Consulate also appealed to Nigerian nationals in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security conscious, especially due to the ongoing xenophobic demonstrations in the country.
On its part the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) demanded an urgent, transparent and detailed investigation into the killings by South African Police Service and other relevant authorities
“to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and face the full wrath of the law.”
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, NUSA said it is working with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Johannesburg to monitor the situation.
“We are also engaging with local police to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and justice prevails,” Olunloyo stated.
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The group urged all Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the local police.
South Africans have continued to march the streets demanding that other African migrants leave the country. They gave June 30 as deadline for all undocumented migrants to leave, threatening to attack migrants who stay back.
In response, other African country, including Nigeria and Ghana have in the last one month, embarked on evacuation of their citizens from the Southern African nation.
Nigeria has safely evacuated almost 600 nationals in three-batch operations.
In the first batch of the evacuation, 258 Nigerians were conveyed home in a flight operated by Air Peace airline on June 11. The second batch of 66 Nigerians were brought home by a South African Airways flight on June 24. The third batch saw the arrival of 269 Nigerians in another flight operated by Air Peace on Tuesday, June 30, from Johannesburg.
The Nigerian government said more evacuation exercise will be conducted to bring home more citizens who voluntarily want to go.
It said it will continue to engage with South African authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerians in the country.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X