A Nigerian businessman known as Big Joe has been killed after unidentified gunmen shot him outside his shop in Witbank (Emalahleni), Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. The incident, which occurred on June 29, 2026, has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with videos of the aftermath circulating online.
Shooting Details and Eyewitness Accounts
According to eyewitnesses, Big Joe was standing outside his business premises when assailants approached and opened fire multiple times before fleeing the scene. The businessman was reportedly well-known among the Nigerian community in South Africa. Disturbing clips shared on Instagram and other platforms show him lying in a pool of blood, surrounded by shocked residents and fellow traders. Despite attempts to assist him, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Community Reactions and Safety Concerns
The killing has renewed conversations about the safety of Nigerians living and doing business in South Africa, a country that has experienced periodic xenophobic attacks. Social media users expressed outrage and sorrow. User @cc.juliet commented, “This people are looking for war, seriously they wan problem and they will get it.” Another user, @fastlane_tires, wrote, “If they insist that you should leave their country, why remain there and put your life at risk? No place is worth dying for. If you have to relocate, it's better to return to Nigeria alive than to lose your life trying to stay where you're no longer wanted this is so sad.”
@poladehindeamoo criticized the Nigerian government’s response: “I think our Government is very weak at responding to the killings and xenophobic attack against Nigerians maybe bcos they don't care for lives. By now the S.A. government suppose be on massive sanction from Nigeria Government and just useless mouth warning. If their Government can't stop them, they let Nigerians send S.A out of our country, let withdraw Nigeria support for them and let them pay out debt in 48 hours.” User @iamdreamwork added, “South Africans have engaged in this for many years, yet individuals still view them as lacking thought; they are even more problematic than what they aim to adopt. They are simply who they are.”
Lack of Official Statement
As of the time of this report, South African authorities had not released an official statement regarding the shooting or identified any suspects. The incident has left the Nigerian community in mourning.
Similar Incident: Rising Singer Killed in Lagos
In a related development, a fast-rising Afro-pop singer, Sabi (real name Sabinus Chukwuebuka Nelson Obi), was killed in a late-night attack at a hotel in Lagos state in March 2026. According to his brother Kingsley, unidentified young men stormed the hotel and opened fire. Sabi was building a career in Nigeria’s competitive music industry before his death.
