Three Nigerians killed in South Africa within four days — Consulate

The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg expressed its outrage over the deaths of three Nigerians within a span of four days in South Africa. The incidents occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026. The Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement, highlighting the rising concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in the nation.

The three victims were Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadú, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka. Igwemmadú allegedly ended his life on September 18 after attempting to escape police harassment and brutality at Kenlin Court in Bloemfontein's Central Business District. Two days later, Olatunde, a security guard at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, was shot and killed when he tried to stop a South African customer from leaving the club with a club-owned cup.

The shooter fled but returned later to threaten witnesses. On September 21, Nnaemeka was allegedly tortured and killed by members of the Sizok’thola team, led by South African politician Xolani Khumalo, during an operation. Despite no incriminating evidence found on Nnaemeka, he was arrested, beaten, and tortured before attempting to escape by jumping over a fence, leading to his death.

The Consulate also recalled the 2026 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who was shot by Khumalo’s crew in Windsor East, Randburg. The Consulate condemned the pattern of targeting Nigerians and appealed to South African authorities to investigate the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.