Two Nigerian nationals, identified only as Austin and Ayo, were fatally shot by armed attackers in Durban, South Africa.
Reports revealed that the gunmen, believed to be three in number and wearing face coverings, stormed Austin’s business location around 8 p.m. and opened fire without warning.
Sources familiar with the incident revealed that both men died at the scene before any medical help could arrive.
Austin reportedly owned a vehicle and tyre business in Durban, and Ayo had visited him on the day of the attack.
A close associate of the victims who identified himself simply as Fidelis, recounted the incident over a phone call.
“They were chatting at the shop when suddenly masked men entered. Without saying anything, they pulled out guns and fired at them,” he explained.
According to him, several customers who were present managed to flee as soon as the gunmen drew their weapons.
Eyewitnesses nearby reported hearing gunshots and seeing the attackers escape on foot shortly after.
Attempts were made to rush the victims to a hospital, but they were declared dead on arrival by medical staff.
A source based in Nigeria shared CCTV footage with the press, which reportedly captured the moment of the shooting.
The video showed Austin being shot at close range while Ayo was struck while attempting to flee.
“We only heard about it several days later. There’s speculation it might be linked to a business issue, but the exact motive remains unknown. Authorities say they are investigating, but so far, no one has been held responsible,” the source added.
Efforts to contact Abdulrahman Balogun, spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), for comments were unsuccessful.
Calls to his phone were unanswered, and a message sent to him remained without response at the time of filing this report.
This case adds to a growing number of violent incidents involving Nigerians living in South Africa.
In April, two other Nigerians, Taiwo Raji and Yemi Akinwunmi were shot dead outside their shops on Church Street in Pretoria.
The killings, reported in May, drew outrage from the Nigerian community.
NICASA (Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa) President, Frank Onyekwelu, condemned the killings and revealed that the suspect in the Pretoria case had been granted bail, sparking further outrage among the Nigerian diaspora.
