Two Nigerian nationals, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpeyong Andrew, have been killed in separate incidents in South Africa, raising fresh concerns about the safety of foreigners in the country. According to Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the Consul-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, Emmanuel was killed by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Port Elizabeth, while Andrew died following an altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police in Pretoria.
Details of the Incidents
Emmanuel reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during a brutal beating by military personnel on April 20, 2026. Andrew was apprehended on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria, and his body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary under unclear circumstances. The Consul-General stated that these killings have thrown the victims' families, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions into shock.
Call for Justice and Fair Treatment
Ambassador Okey-Uche condemned the continuous generalization and tagging of innocent Nigerians as criminals, emphasizing that all individuals should be presumed innocent and granted fair treatment in a court of law. She called on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice. “No one should take laws into their own hands under any circumstances,” she said.
The Consulate has received preliminary investigation reports and has opened a formal case with the South African Police Service. The Consul-General welcomed this development but stressed the need for a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. She also called on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to expedite inquiries and establish the facts.
Appeal for Calm and Consular Support
Ambassador Okey-Uche appealed to Nigerian citizens in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while conducting their legal activities. She assured that the Consulate is actively engaging with South African authorities and closely monitoring developments. The Consulate is prepared to provide necessary consular support to the families of the deceased. She expressed condolences to the families and prayed for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace.
The Nigerian envoy reiterated the Consulate's mandate to oversee the welfare and fair treatment of all Nigerians and urged the Nigerian community to allow relevant authorities to carry out their investigations.
