The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerian nationals in separate incidents currently under investigation by South African authorities.
The deceased, identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, reportedly died in encounters involving members of South African security agencies, according to the consulate.
Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche disclosed that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained during an assault by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.
In a separate development, Andrew was said to have been taken into custody on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an altercation with officials of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
The consulate stated that both incidents have been formally reported to the South African Police Service, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been called upon to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Okey-Uche noted that the incidents have heightened concerns within the Nigerian community in South Africa and added strain to ongoing diplomatic monitoring of reported cases of hostility and profiling.
She emphasized the importance of due process, stating that investigations should be allowed to proceed without interference and that accountability must follow established legal frameworks.
The consulate further confirmed that it is engaging relevant authorities and working closely with the families of the deceased to provide necessary consular assistance.
Nigerian officials have also urged citizens residing in South Africa to remain calm and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions as investigations continue.
