The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the killing of two Nigerian nationals, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in separate incidents in South Africa, raising fresh concerns over xenophobic tensions and alleged brutality by security personnel.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on 20 April.
She added that Andrew was apprehended a day earlier, 19 April, in the Booysens area of Pretoria, following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
The two incidents, both involving security operatives, have sent shockwaves through the Nigerian community in South Africa and drawn the attention of diplomatic authorities.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Okey-Uche said a formal case has been opened with the South African Police Service, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been urged to carry out a thorough, transparent and impartial probe.
“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.
“No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their own hands.”
The Consul-General said the consulate is already engaging with relevant South African authorities and will provide necessary support to the bereaved families.
She also warned against what she described as a growing trend of profiling Nigerians as criminals, noting that such generalisations are dangerous and capable of fuelling further violence.
The latest killings come against the backdrop of recurring tensions involving foreign nationals in South Africa, where migrants—particularly Africans—have at times faced hostility, harassment and violent attacks. Previous outbreaks of xenophobic violence in the country have led to deaths, displacement and diplomatic strains with several African nations, including Nigeria.
Okey-Uche urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant while investigations into the incidents continue.
- Kano Assembly Approves Murtala Garo as Deputy Governor - April 28, 2026
- Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Hamzat for 2027 Governorship, Calls Him “Best Man for the Job” - April 28, 2026
- Security Operatives Kill 2 Nigerians in South Africa - April 28, 2026