XENOPHOBIA: Two Nigerians killed in South Africa

Two Nigerian nationals were reportedly killed in South Africa following renewed xenophobic violence in the country.

This has prompted Nigerians living in the country to call on the Nigerian government to initiate diplomatic relations to save them, saying that protecting Nigerians abroad is the constitutional and moral obligation of the government.

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that two people, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekmenyong Andrew, were killed in separate incidents linked to escalating anti-foreigner tensions.

The Consul General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, revealed in a statement on Monday that Emmanuel died from injuries he allegedly suffered after being beaten by South African National Defense Force personnel on April 20.

Andrew, he said, was arrested on April 19 in the Booysens area of ​​Pretoria following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

The Consul General said the separate cases, involving security personnel, had shocked the victims’ families, the Nigerian community and the diplomatic mission.

READ ALSO: Nigerian government urges South Africa to protect foreign nationals amid new attacks

A formal case has been opened in the South African Police, while Nigeria’s representative has urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to ensure a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.

“We call on the South African authorities to thoroughly investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Whatever the charges, there is a lawful process. Everyone must be presumed innocent and tried fairly in court. No one should take the law into their own hands,” he said.

The Consul General added that the consulate was engaging the relevant authorities and would provide necessary support to the families of the deceased, while warning against the growing trend of profiling Nigerians as criminals.

Okey-Uche also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue.