More Nigerians have been killed in South Africa amid renewed concerns over attacks targeting Nigerians and other foreign nationals.
Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, disclosed on Monday night that three Nigerians were murdered in separate incidents on September 18, 20 and 21.
The latest deaths bring the number of Nigerians reportedly murdered in South Africa since the beginning of the year to at least 12.
The Nigerian Consulate in South Africa identified the victims as Kenechukwu Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olatunde and Christian Nnaemeka.
According to the consulate, the deaths involved alleged encounters with police officials and private actors.
Three Nigerians killed in separate incidents
Igwemmadu allegedly died after jumping to his death while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality in Bloemfontein on September 18.
Two days later, Olatunde was reportedly shot at a club in Pretoria by an unidentified South African.
The consulate said the alleged shooter fled after the incident but later returned and threatened witnesses who might report the case.
Nnaemeka was reportedly tortured to death on September 21 in Primrose during an operation allegedly conducted by members of the Sizok’thola team led by South African politician Xolani Khumalo.
The consulate described the circumstances surrounding the three deaths as deeply troubling.
112 Nigerians reportedly killed since 2022
Fani-Kayode said 112 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since 2022, including 32 allegedly killed by members of the South African security forces.
He said none of those responsible had been brought to justice or convicted.
“I condemn these killings, and once again I appeal to the South African authorities to bring those who are responsible for them to justice and to protect our people,” the ambassador said.
The consulate also raised concerns over what it described as an apparent pattern of Nigerians being targeted in South Africa.
It said the latest deaths had renewed questions about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.
Investigations into previous deaths have reportedly yet to result in arrests or convictions, while the consulate said allegations of harassment and torture of Nigerians continue.
