By By: The People News Online
JOHANNESBURG, — Two Nigerian nationals have died in separate incidents involving South African security personnel, the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg said Monday, citing rising xenophobic tensions.
The victims were identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, according to Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche.
Okey-Uche told the News Agency of Nigeria that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by members of the South African National Defence Force on April 20. Andrew was apprehended on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged altercation with Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
The consul-general said the cases have left the victims’ families, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions “in shock.” A formal case has been opened with the South African Police Service, and the consulate has urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to ensure a “thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation.”
“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice. No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted a fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands,” Okey-Uche said.
She said the consulate is engaging relevant authorities and will provide support to the families of the deceased. Okey-Uche also warned against what she described as a “growing trend of profiling and generalising Nigerians as criminals,” calling it dangerous.
The consul-general appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue.
Credit: News Central
