Two more Nigerians have been killed in South Africa amid escalating xenophobic violence targeting African migrants, prompting renewed calls for justice and stronger protection for foreign nationals.
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the incidents occurred on June 28 under separate circumstances.
The victims were identified as Emeka Iroegbu and Musa Joe.
According to the consulate, Musa Joe was allegedly killed by suspected criminals in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province, while Emeka Iroegbu reportedly died after being tortured by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in the Sunnyside area of Pretoria.
The consulate alleged that Iroegbu was subjected to severe torture by the officers, resulting in his death.
The latest incidents have intensified concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa amid a fresh wave of anti-foreigner attacks.
The deaths bring to four the number of Nigerians reportedly killed since the latest outbreak of xenophobic violence began earlier this year.
The previous victims, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, allegedly died after encounters with members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Andrew was reportedly arrested on April 19 following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
Emmanuel also reportedly died from injuries sustained after an alleged assault by SANDF personnel.
Following those incidents, the Nigerian government summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the deaths.
However, Nigerian authorities say no arrests have been made and investigations remain ongoing.
The killings come amid growing anti-immigrant demonstrations across South Africa.
Tensions escalated after anti-foreigner groups reportedly issued a June 30 deadline demanding that African migrants leave the country.
Last week, protesters marched through several South African cities chanting Abahambe!, a Zulu expression meaning “They must go,” while calling for the removal of foreign nationals.
The demonstrations have been accompanied by attacks on migrants, destruction of businesses and widespread looting.
Reports indicate that at least five Mozambicans and five Ethiopians have also lost their lives in the ongoing violence.
Hundreds of African migrants have reportedly been displaced, forcing several countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe to evacuate some of their citizens.
The Nigerian Consulate said the recurring attacks raise serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in South Africa.
According to the mission, the continued targeting of Nigerians appears to be driven by attempts to wrongly portray law-abiding members of the community as criminals.
“The death is coming at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in South Africa, raising questions about what seems to be a deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully label hardworking and respectable Nigerians as criminals, the consulate stated.
The mission called on South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
The latest incidents have renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa and intensified calls for stronger diplomatic engagement to safeguard the lives and rights of Nigerians living in the country.
