The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has called for thorough investigations into the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in separate incidents across South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026.
The Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said the deaths had renewed concerns about the safety of Nigerians living and working in South Africa.
The three Nigerians identified in the Consulate’s statement are Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadú, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
The Consulate said the first incident occurred on September 18 at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in the Central Business District of Bloemfontein.
According to the Nigerian mission, Igwemmadú allegedly fell to his death while attempting to escape what the Consulate described as police harassment and brutality.
The allegation has not been independently established, and the circumstances surrounding the fatal fall remain subject to investigation.
Two days later, another Nigerian, Olatunde, was fatally wounded in Pretoria.
Olatunde worked as a security guard at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East. According to the Consulate, an argument reportedly began after he attempted to prevent a South African customer from taking a drinking cup belonging to the establishment outside the premises.
The disagreement allegedly escalated before the customer drew a firearm and shot Olatunde in the lower part of his body.
Olatunde was taken to Mamelodi Hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries. The Consulate said doctors confirmed his death on the morning of September 21.
The Nigerian mission further alleged that the gunman initially fled the scene but returned after discovering that witnesses knew his identity. It said he allegedly threatened witnesses who might report the incident to police.
The Nigerian Union in South Africa has also called for a transparent investigation into Olatunde’s death, saying the incident requires urgent attention from both South African authorities and the Nigerian diplomatic mission.
Third death under investigation
The third case involves Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, whose death was also recorded on September 21.
Reports on the Consulate’s statement said Nnaemeka’s death followed an alleged encounter involving South African politician and vigilante content creator Xolani Khumalo and members of his team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.
Details surrounding the incident remain under investigation, and allegations concerning the circumstances of Nnaemeka’s death have not been established as judicial findings.
The series of deaths has prompted renewed calls for South African authorities to investigate each case independently and establish what happened before the fatalities.
The Nigerian Consulate has urged authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible is dealt with according to the law.
The developments have also revived wider concerns within the Nigerian community about encounters involving law enforcement officers, private security personnel and other individuals exercising informal or official authority.
The Nigerian diplomatic mission is expected to continue engaging South African authorities as investigations into the separate cases proceed.
