The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) has confirmed that Olatunde Olaleye, a 40-year-old father of two, was shot dead at a bar in Pretoria following a dispute with a South African national. The incident occurred at Spanata Bar and Grills in Mamelodi, Pretoria, according to Smart Nwobi, president-general of NUSA.
Bar Argument Leads to Fatal Shooting
Nwobi reported that on Monday, Olaleye and the suspect had argued over whether a drinking glass should be taken outside the bar. The argument escalated, and the suspect allegedly shot Olaleye. Reports suggest the suspect later returned to the bar premises to threaten the management, stating that he and his crew would come back.
Olaleye, an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti, was a worker at the establishment. His death has prompted strong reactions from the Nigerian community in South Africa.
NUSA Calls for Justice
In a statement, Nwobi said, “We cannot continue to lose Nigerians under circumstances that leave families devastated, and communities traumatised. We call for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olaleye’s death and for the law to take its proper course.”
Nwobi also urged the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, including the consulate-general’s office and the high commission in Pretoria, to increase engagement with South African authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and protect other Nigerians.
Second Nigerian Killed on Same Day
On the same day, another Nigerian, Nnaemeka, was killed in Johannesburg. George O. Sylvester, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Nwobi, said the circumstances surrounding the death of 34-year-old Nnaemeka were unknown. Nnaemeka was an indigene of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State and a father of a three-year-old son.
Sylvester demanded, “We demand that every person connected to this incident be identified and properly investigated. If anyone is found to have acted unlawfully, that person must face the full weight of the law, regardless of position, influence or affiliation.”
Rise in Xenophobic Attacks
These killings are part of a series of incidents affecting Nigerians in South Africa since the resurgence of xenophobic attacks earlier in the year. Anti-immigration groups, such as the March March, have issued ultimatums for illegal immigrants to leave the country, claiming they steal jobs, commit crimes, and take women.
Businesses owned by Nigerians, Zimbabweans, and other African migrants have been targeted, forcing countries like Nigeria and Ghana to evacuate hundreds of their citizens. The latest deaths underscore the ongoing threats faced by African migrants in South Africa.
