Two more Nigerians killed in South Africa as Xenophobic violence escalates

Fresh concerns have emerged over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa following the killing of two more Nigerian citizens, bringing the number of Nigerians reportedly killed since the latest wave of xenophobic violence began this year to four.

The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg announced the deaths in a statement issued on Saturday, describing the incidents as deeply troubling and calling for an immediate and thorough investigation by South African authorities.

Premium Times reports that the victims, identified as Emeka Iroegbu and Musa Joe, were both killed on Sunday, June 28, under separate circumstances.

According to the consulate, Musa Joe was allegedly killed by suspected criminals in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province, while Emeka Iroegbu reportedly died after being tortured by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria.

The consulate alleged that Iroegbu was subjected to severe torture by the security operatives, leading to his death.

The latest killings come barely weeks after two other Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, also lost their lives in South Africa under controversial circumstances.

Andrew was reportedly arrested following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police in the Booysens area of Pretoria on April 19. His body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

Emmanuel died a day later from injuries allegedly inflicted by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Port Elizabeth.

Following those deaths, the Nigerian government summoned the South African High Commissioner, demanding a comprehensive investigation and justice for the victims. However, no arrests have been made and investigations remain inconclusive more than two months later.

The latest incidents come amid heightened anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa, where protests against African migrants have intensified in recent months.

Last Tuesday, demonstrators marched through several South African cities chanting “Abahambe!”-a Zulu expression meaning “They must go!”—while demanding the removal of foreign nationals. The protests followed an arbitrary June 30 deadline reportedly issued by anti-immigrant groups for African migrants to leave the country.

The violence has also claimed the lives of at least five Mozambicans and five Ethiopians, while hundreds of foreign nationals have reportedly been displaced. Shops have been looted and properties destroyed in attacks reminiscent of previous xenophobic outbreaks.

Several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, have begun repatriating citizens affected by the unrest.

Expressing concern over the recurring attacks, the Nigerian Consulate said the continued targeting of Nigerians and other foreign nationals raises serious questions about their safety in South Africa.

“The death is coming at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa, raising questions about what seems to be a deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully label well-meaning, hardworking and respectable Nigerians in the country as criminals,” the consulate said.

It called on South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“We expect the authorities to do the needful and achieve the ultimate prosecution of the perpetrators,” the statement added.