The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the killing of two Nigerian nationals, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in separate incidents in South Africa, amid rising concerns over xenophobic tensions.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, describing the incidents as deeply troubling and calling for a thorough investigation by South African authorities.
The consulate said Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after he was beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on April 20.
In a separate incident, Andrew was reportedly apprehended on April 19 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.
Okey-Uche said the two deaths, both involving security personnel, had left the Nigerian community, the victims’ families, and diplomatic missions in shock.
She confirmed that a formal case has been opened with the South African Police Service, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been urged to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation.
“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 hands.”
The Consul-General also noted that the consulate is engaging relevant authorities in South Africa and will continue to provide support to the families of the deceased.
Okey-Uche further warned against what she described as a growing trend of profiling Nigerians as criminals, describing it as dangerous and unacceptable.
She urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and avoid actions that could escalate tensions while investigations continue.