The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has decried the killing of a Nigerian national, Emeka Clement Uzor, who was reportedly shot dead in Windsor East, Randburg, South Africa.
Uzor was said to have been killed on Sunday, February 8, during an incident allegedly involving a group led by Mr Xolani Khumalo.
In a statement issued on Monday, the consulate described the development as disturbing and unacceptable, noting that the incident had plunged the deceased’s family, members of the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in South Africa into grief.
The mission expressed concern over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in the country, saying the circumstances surrounding the killing were troubling.
“The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg condemns in strong terms the killing of one of its nationals, Emeka Clement Uzor, at Windsor East, Randburg, on February 8, 2026,” the statement read.
It added that the incident had once again raised fears about what it termed attempts by certain individuals to label Nigerians in South Africa as criminals.
According to the consulate, irrespective of allegations against any individual, the rule of law must be upheld and suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
While commending South African authorities for commencing investigations and assuring that those responsible would be brought to book, the consulate urged Nigerians in the country to remain calm and law-abiding as due process takes its course.
It also extended condolences to the family of the deceased, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of Nigerians in South Africa.
Meanwhile, ActionSA, in a statement published on its website, confirmed that the shooting occurred during what it described as an anti-drug operation involving its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Cllr Xolani Khumalo.
The group claimed that the deceased was suspected to be involved in drug trafficking and said the operation formed part of efforts to curb criminal activities in the area.
ActionSA maintained that drug syndicates had for years subjected communities to violence and intimidation, adding that it would continue to back lawful initiatives aimed at dismantling criminal networks. It also referenced its 10-point action plan, which includes the deployment of specialised units and technology-driven crime prevention strategies.
However, the President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Mr Smart Nwobi, rejected allegations linking Uzor to drug-related activities. He argued that if there were credible claims against him, he should have been arrested and investigated in accordance with the law.
The incident is the latest in a series of cases involving Nigerians in South Africa, which have, over time, generated diplomatic and community tensions, with stakeholders raising concerns over profiling and the safety of foreign nationals.
