Nigerian Envoy Condemns Killing of Citizens in South Africa

The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, allegedly involving members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in separate incidents.

Reacting to the development, Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche expressed deep concern over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, noting that the incidents have left families, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions in shock.

She called on South African authorities to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Okey-Uche stressed that regardless of any allegations, due process must be followed and individuals should be treated fairly under the law.

She also warned against the growing tendency to label Nigerians as criminals, urging restraint and fairness in public perception.

Details of the incidents indicate that Emmanuel died from injuries reportedly sustained during an encounter with military personnel on April 20, 2026, while Andrew, who was apprehended a day earlier in Pretoria, was later found dead at a mortuary.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged foreign nationals living in the country to respect its laws, customs, and traditions. Speaking during a Freedom Day address, he emphasized that while South Africa remains committed to human rights and international cooperation, it would enforce its immigration laws where necessary.

Ramaphosa also appealed to citizens to allow legal processes to take their course, particularly in dealing with undocumented immigrants.

Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, sought to calm tensions, stating that there is no evidence of a coordinated attack against Nigerians.

In the same vein, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has issued safety guidelines to Nigerians in South Africa, advising them to remain law-abiding, avoid confrontations, and stay informed through local media updates.

The commission also warned that protests in cities such as Cape Town, Durban, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal have, at times, turned violent, leading to looting and destruction of property.

Additionally, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, is reportedly engaging with South African authorities to address the situation.