The Federal Government has condemned the deaths of three Nigerians killed in South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026, demanding thorough and transparent investigations into the separate incidents and justice for the victims.
The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg said the deaths of Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka had raised fresh concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
Key Highlights
- Three Nigerians died in separate incidents in South Africa between September 18 and 21, 2026.
- The victims were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
- The incidents occurred in Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Primrose, Ekurhuleni.
- Nigeria has called on South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations and bring anyone found responsible to justice.
- Femi Fani-Kayode said the latest deaths brought the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026 to 12.
- Fani-Kayode said Nigerian mission and community records indicate 112 Nigerians have been killed since 2022, including 32 cases he linked to South African security personnel.
- The Nigerian Consulate said the recent deaths occurring in quick succession raised concerns about a possible pattern of targeting.
- Nigerians in South Africa have been urged to remain calm, vigilant and security-conscious.
Nigeria Condemns Deaths of Three Nigerians
The Nigerian government expressed concern over the deaths and called for each case to be investigated on its own merits.
Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, said the three deaths occurred under different circumstances and should not be treated as a single incident.
“One followed an alleged encounter with police. One was a shooting after a dispute in a nightclub. One followed an alleged encounter with a private crew associated with Mr Xolani Khumalo,” he said.
The Nigerian Consulate-General similarly called on South African authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
Kenechukwu Igwemmadu Dies in Bloemfontein
According to the Nigerian Consulate, Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu died on September 18 in Bloemfontein.
The Consulate alleged that Igwemmadu jumped from a multi-storey building at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in the Central Business District while attempting to escape what it described as police harassment and brutality.
The allegation has not been independently established in the reports reviewed.
Olaniyi Olatunde Shot in Pretoria
Two days later, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, a security guard, was shot at Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.
The Consulate said the incident followed an altercation after Olatunde attempted to stop a customer from leaving the establishment with a cup belonging to the club.
According to the Consulate’s account, the customer allegedly drew a firearm and shot Olatunde, who suffered serious injuries and was taken to Mamelodi Hospital.
Olatunde later died from his injuries and was pronounced dead on September 21, according to the Consulate.
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Christian Nnaemeka Dies After Alleged Encounter
The third case involved Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, who died on September 21 in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.
The Nigerian Consulate alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted during an encounter involving South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo and members of his associated “Sizok’thola” team.
The Consulate’s account alleged that the encounter involved assault and torture. Fani-Kayode later described the incident as an alleged encounter with a private crew associated with Khumalo and called for it to be investigated to the end.
No finding of criminal responsibility has been established in the reports reviewed, and the allegations remain subject to investigation.
Fani-Kayode Says 12 Nigerians Killed in 2026
Fani-Kayode said the latest three deaths have increased the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026 to 12.
He also said 112 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa since 2022, with 32 of those deaths allegedly involving members of South African security forces.
The figures were presented by the Nigerian mission and were not described as findings of a South African court. Fani-Kayode has called for individual investigations and updates on the cases.
Nigeria Calls for Due Process and Accountability
The Nigerian government said allegations of misconduct, whether involving law enforcement personnel or private individuals, must be addressed through lawful investigations and due process.
The Consulate stressed that allegations of wrongdoing should not justify extrajudicial action and called for fair hearings and proper legal procedures.
Fani-Kayode also said Nigeria’s request was for authorities to open or confirm case files, identify investigating officers, complete post-mortems and witness statements, and prosecute anyone identified by evidence as responsible.
Nigerians in South Africa Urged to Remain Vigilant
The Nigerian mission has urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious.
Nigerians have also been encouraged to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate-General for consular assistance.
The latest deaths come amid continuing concerns over violence against migrants and xenophobic and Afrophobic tensions in parts of South Africa. Recent violence has also contributed to diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.
Nigeria Seeks Justice for Victims
The Nigerian government and its diplomatic mission have extended condolences to the families, friends and wider Nigerian community affected by the deaths.
The Consulate said it would continue to engage South African authorities over the cases and work to safeguard the welfare and fair treatment of Nigerian nationals in the country.
The three deaths have renewed attention on the safety of Nigerians in South Africa and the need for investigations to establish the facts surrounding each incident and ensure accountability where evidence supports criminal responsibility.
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