Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has confirmed that three more Nigerians have been killed in South Africa in separate incidents.
Fani-Kayode, in a statement on Monday, said the latest killings occurred on September 18, 20, and 21, 2026, bringing the number of Nigerians allegedly killed in South Africa this year to 12.
“The information was brought to my attention by the Nigerian Consul-General in Johannesburg, and details of the three incidents were contained in a formal statement issued by the Nigerian Consulate,” he said.
According to the Ambassador-designate, 112 Nigerians have now been killed in South Africa since 2022, including 32 allegedly killed by members of the South African security forces.
Fani-Kayode also alleged that none of those responsible for the killings had been brought to justice or convicted.
He condemned the latest deaths and appealed to the South African authorities to investigate the incidents, bring those responsible to justice, and take steps to protect Nigerians living in the country.
The ambassador-designate expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, praying for the repose of their souls.
Meanwhile, the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has formally condemned the deaths of the three Nigerians, saying the incidents occurred in different parts of South Africa between September 18 and 21.
In its statement signed by the Consul-General, Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the mission identified the victims as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
The Consulate said Igwemmadu allegedly jumped to his death on September 18 while attempting to escape police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street, Central Business District, Bloemfontein.
It added that Olatunde, a security guard, was shot at Spanata Bar and Grill Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, on September 20.
According to the Consulate, Olatunde attempted to stop a South African customer from leaving the club with a cup belonging to the establishment, after which an altercation reportedly ensued.
The statement said the customer pulled out a firearm and shot Olatunde in the lower part of his body, causing serious injury and heavy blood loss.
The alleged shooter reportedly fled the scene but later returned and threatened witnesses after realizing that his identity was known.
Olatunde was rushed to Mamelodi Hospital but later died from his injuries and was confirmed dead by doctors on September 21.
The Consulate said the third victim, Nnaemeka, died following an encounter with the Sizok’thola team led by South African politician and investigative content creator, Xolani Khumalo, in Primrose, Ekurhuleni, on September 21.
It is alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted and tortured during an operation conducted by members of the team.
The mission said the team allegedly arrested and beat Nnaemeka despite not finding anything incriminating on him.
According to the statement, Nnaemeka subsequently attempted to escape by jumping over a fence but collapsed from injuries and exhaustion.
He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, the Consulate said.
The mission also recalled the February 9, 2026, death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who it said was shot dead by the same Xolani Khumalo reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg.
It said no arrests had been made over Uzor’s death and noted that Khumalo was currently running for election as mayor of Ekurhuleni.
The Consulate said the latest incidents were “deeply troubling” and raised questions about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
It called on the relevant South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations into the deaths and prosecute anyone found responsible.
The mission stressed that allegations should be handled through established legal processes, adding that suspects should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
It further urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious amid the ongoing xenophobic and “Afrophobic” attacks, threats, general insecurity, and ill-treatment of vulnerable black African foreigners, particularly Nigerians.
The Consulate extended condolences to the families of the three deceased Nigerians and said it remained committed to its mandate of protecting the welfare and ensuring the fair treatment of Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
Nigerian nationals have been victims of killings, xenophobic attacks, and other forms of violence over the years.
Tensions between Nigerians and some South Africans have periodically escalated over issues of immigration, employment, crime and allegations of involvement in illicit activities.
Nigerian diplomatic authorities have repeatedly called for the protection of Nigerians and the prosecution of perpetrators.
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