The Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa has verified the death of two Nigerians identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, following rising xenophobic tensions.
NAN reports that the consul-general, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said in a statement on Monday that Emmanuel dies from injuries he sustained following an assaut on April 20 by members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
In contrast, she said authorities arrested Andrew on April 19 in the Booysens neighbourhood of Pretoria after an alleged incident involving Tshwane Metro Police officers. She added that officials later found his body at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
The consul general requested the independent police investigative directorate (IPID) to guarantee a comprehensive, open, and unbiased inquiry. Adding that a formal case had been lodged with the South African Police Service.
She said, “We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Meanwhile, the embassy says it is interacting with the appropriate authorities and will offer the families of the dead the assistance they require.
Okey-Uche further described the increasing practice of classifying and categorising Nigerians as criminals as harmful.
Additionally, the consul general advised Nigerians in South Africa to maintain composure and obey the law while the investigations are ongoing.
BACKSTORY…
On April 4, Nigerians awoke to commotion when South Africans protested over the early March coronation of Solomon Eziko. A Nigerian Igbo chief, by taking to the streets of Albany and Buffalo under KuGombo, often known as East London.
Reports indicate that about 26 Nigerians were injured and hospitalised, while attackers destroyed property worth millions of rands—including vehicles and shops.
NIDCOM in response, warned Nigerians to avoid crowded areas, steer clear of protest groups, and monitor local media for updates on security conditions.
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