The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has strongly condemned the killing of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, reportedly by members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Port Elizabeth on April 25.
The Consul-General, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, made this known in a statement issued on Monday, describing the deaths as deeply disturbing and raising renewed concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
She said the separate incidents had left the families of the deceased, members of the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions in shock.
Okey-Uche cautioned against the growing trend of labelling Nigerians collectively as criminals, warning that such generalisations could fuel tension and injustice.
She called on South African authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
According to her, regardless of any allegations, due legal procedures must be followed and every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair hearing in court.
She stressed that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands under any circumstances, adding that justice must be pursued through proper legal channels.
The Consul-General also appealed for calm among Nigerians in South Africa, urging them to remain peaceful and continue their lawful activities while investigations are ongoing.
She disclosed that preliminary findings received by the Consulate indicated that Emmanuel reportedly died from injuries sustained during an alleged assault involving military personnel on April 20.
Andrew, on the other hand, was said to have been arrested on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged confrontation with metro police officers, after which his body was later found at a Pretoria mortuary under unclear circumstances.
Okey-Uche confirmed that a formal investigation has been opened by the South African Police Service, noting that the Consulate welcomes the move and insists on a thorough and impartial inquiry.
She urged relevant bodies, including the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), to expedite investigations and establish the full facts surrounding the incidents.
The Consulate said it is engaging with South African authorities and closely monitoring developments, while also preparing consular support for the bereaved families.
She extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
Okey-Uche reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to protecting the welfare and rights of Nigerians abroad.
She further advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and to allow proper investigations to run their course