Three Nigerians have died in separate incidents in South Africa within four days, prompting the Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg to demand investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The victims were identified by the Consulate as Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadú, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde and Christian Hillary Nnaemeka. The incidents occurred between September 18 and 21, 2026, in different parts of the country.
The Consulate said Igwemmadú died on September 18 in Bloemfontein after allegedly jumping from a building while trying to escape what it described as police harassment.
It said the incident occurred at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street in the city centre.
Olatunde, a security guard at a nightclub in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, was allegedly shot during a confrontation with a customer on September 20.
The Consulate said he sustained severe injuries and later died in hospital on September 21.
Nnaemeka was also reported dead on September 21 following an encounter with a team led by South African politician and content creator, Xolani Khumalo, in Primrose, Ekurhuleni. The Consulate alleged that he was assaulted during the encounter and later collapsed after attempting to flee.
The Consulate further drew attention to the February death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who it said was shot in Randburg during an incident involving Khumalo's television crew.
It expressed concern that no arrests had been made in connection with the case.
The Nigerian mission urged South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the latest deaths and prosecute anyone found responsible, stressing that accusations of wrongdoing should be subjected to lawful investigation and judicial processes.
Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, separately said the latest incidents had increased the number of Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026 to 12.
He condemned the deaths and called on the South African authorities to strengthen protection for Nigerians and ensure that those responsible face justice.
