By George Omagbemi
JOHANNESBURG — September 29, 2026: Three Nigerian nationals have died in separate incidents across South Africa within four days, prompting the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg to demand urgent investigations into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The incidents occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026, in Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni, according to a statement issued by Consul-General Ambassador Nnikanwa Okey-Uche.
The victims were identified as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka.
The Consulate said Igwemmadu died on September 18 after allegedly falling from a building at Kenlin Court, Bloemfontein, while reportedly attempting to escape alleged police harassment and brutality. The circumstances remain subject to investigation.
Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, was reportedly shot at Spanata Bar and Grills in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, on September 20 following an argument with a customer over a cup belonging to the establishment. He later died in hospital.
Nnaemeka died on September 21 following an alleged encounter with television personality and politician Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizok’thola team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni. The Consulate said he was reportedly assaulted before collapsing and later being pronounced dead in hospital. The allegations have not been established in court.
The Consulate described the deaths as deeply troubling and called on South African authorities to establish the facts and prosecute anyone found responsible.
It also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious amid continuing concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks and the treatment of African foreigners.
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