Fresh xenophobic violence in South Africa has claimed the lives of two Nigerians, sparking fear among the diaspora community and prompting urgent diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew were killed in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner tensions.
The Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, in a statement released on Monday, disclosed that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.
Andrew, she added, was apprehended on April 19 in Pretoria following an altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, with his body later discovered at a mortuary.
Okey-Uche said the incidents had left families, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions in shock, adding that a formal case had been opened with the South African Police Service.
She urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to ensure a transparent probe.
She stated, “We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes… No one should take the law into their hands.”
Nigerians in South Africa have called on the Federal Government to protect its citizens abroad, describing it as both a constitutional and moral responsibility.
The Consulate also warned against profiling Nigerians as criminals and advised citizens to remain calm and law-abiding.
The killings come amid escalating hostility towards foreigners, with viral videos showing threats and intimidation.
In one incident, a Nigerian trader was confronted during a protest and ordered to leave the country.
“From now on, we don’t want foreigners in this town. We are fixing our South Africa now,” a protester said.
Despite the trader’s plea, “I have been here for a long time… to feed my children”, the group insisted he leave.
In a separate incident, CCTV footage circulating online showed an Ethiopian national was shot dead in what appeared to be a targeted attack in Johannesburg, further raising concerns over the safety of foreign nationals.
Authorities confirmed that investigations were ongoing, with no arrests made.
The South African Police Service condemned the acts of intimidation, describing them as unlawful.
“These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights,” the police said.
