The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, reportedly by personnel of the South African National Defence Force in Port Elizabeth on April 25.
In a statement issued on Monday, Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche described the development as disturbing, noting that it has further heightened concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.
She said the separate incidents had thrown the victims’ families, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions into shock, while warning against the generalisation of Nigerians as criminals in some quarters.
Okey-Uche called on South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings, insisting that those responsible must be brought to justice without delay.
She stressed the importance of due process, saying that regardless of any allegation, no individual should be denied fair hearing, adding that the rule of law must be strictly upheld at all times.
The Consul-General also appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their lawful activities while investigations are ongoing.
Preliminary reports indicate that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after a brutal beating by military personnel on April 20, while Andrew was said to have been involved in an altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police after his arrest on April 19 in Booysens, Pretoria, before his body was later found at a Pretoria mortuary.
Okey-Uche said the consulate was in contact with relevant South African authorities, including the police and Independent Police Investigative Directorate, while assuring that support would be extended to the bereaved families as investigations continue.
