Two Nigerians citizens have been reported killed in South Africa following renewed xenophobic violence in that country.
This has prompted Nigerians living in that country to cry out to the Nigerian government to initiate diplomatic engagements to save them, saying that protecting Nigerians abroad is both a constitutional and moral obligation of the government.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that the two individuals Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew were killed in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner tensions.
The Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed in a statement on Monday that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.
Andrew, she said, was apprehended 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 discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
The consul-general said the separate cases, involving security personnel, have left the victims’ families, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions in shock.
A formal case has since been opened with the South African Police Service, while the Nigerian mission has urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to ensure a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation.
“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. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted a fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands,” she said.
The Consul General added that the consulate was engaging 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.
