South Africa Horror: Three More Nigerians K!lled As D**th Toll Rises To 12

Three more Nigerians have d!ed in separate incidents in South Africa, with the latest cases prompting renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerian nationals in the country.

The incidents occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026, according to the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg. The mission has called on South African authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, disclosed the latest developments in a statement on Monday, saying the information was brought to his attention by the Nigerian Consul-General in Johannesburg.

The three victims were identified by the Consulate as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka. Their deaths occurred in Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni respectively.

The Consulate said Igwemmadu died on September 18 after allegedly jumping from a building at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in Bloemfontein while attempting to escape what the mission described as police harassment and brutality. The allegation has not been independently established and remains subject to investigation.

Olatunde, who worked as a security guard, was reportedly shot at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, on September 20. According to the Consulate, an argument reportedly broke out after Olatunde attempted to prevent a South African customer from leaving the establishment with a cup belonging to the club.

The customer allegedly produced a firearm and shot Olatunde, who sustained serious injuries and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital. He later died from his injuries on September 21. The alleged shooter was reported to have fled the scene before subsequently returning and threatening witnesses.

The third victim, Nnaemeka, reportedly died following an encounter with members of the Sizok’thola team led by South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo in Primrose, Ekurhuleni, on September 21.

The Nigerian Consulate alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted during the operation and later attempted to escape by jumping over a fence before collapsing. He was reportedly taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The allegations have not been independently established.

Fani-Kayode condemned the latest deaths and called on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the incidents, prosecute anyone found responsible and take measures to protect Nigerians living in the country.

He also expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

The Nigerian mission further recalled the February 9 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who it alleged was shot during an encounter with the same Xolani Khumalo-led reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg. The Consulate said no arrests had been made in connection with Uzor’s death.

According to Fani-Kayode, 112 Nigerians have allegedly been killed in South Africa since 2022, including 32 who he said were killed by members of the South African security forces. He further alleged that those responsible had not been convicted.

The latest incidents follow concerns previously raised by Nigerian authorities over the deaths of other nationals in South Africa, including Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo earlier in September.

The Nigerian Consulate described the latest cases as deeply troubling and said they raised broader concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa. The mission stressed that allegations must be handled through established legal procedures and that anyone accused of wrongdoing should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Consulate has called for comprehensive investigations into the deaths and appropriate legal action where evidence establishes responsibility.