Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerian citizens in South Africa amid renewed concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in the country.
In a statement, the consulate identified the victims as Emeka Iroegbu and Musa Joe, saying both men were killed on June 28 in separate incidents.
According to the consulate, Joe was allegedly killed by suspected criminals in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province, while Iroegbu died in Pretoria’s Sunnyside area after an encounter with officers of the Tshwane Metro Police.
The mission alleged that Iroegbu was subjected to severe torture by the security operatives, resulting in his death.
The latest deaths come as tensions continue to rise following anti-migrant protests that have targeted foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
Reports indicate that at least 859 Nigerians have been evacuated since renewed demonstrations against foreigners began earlier this year.
The protests were spearheaded by a group that had demanded the departure of undocumented foreign nationals by June 30, 2026.
While South African authorities have distanced themselves from the activities of the group, concerns have persisted over the security of migrants and their businesses.
South African police are reported to have looked the other way while shops have been looted and innocent migrants murdered in the deepening xenophobic crisis.
The development also comes amid a disagreement over compensation for Nigerians who reportedly lost businesses and property during the unrest.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, had disclosed that the Federal Government was documenting losses suffered by affected citizens to support discussions on possible compensation.
However, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, rejected the proposal during a media briefing.
“We’ll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are. So they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently,” she said.
The deaths of the two Nigerians are expected to further heighten concerns over the treatment and safety of Nigerian nationals living in South Africa.
