Two Nigerians killed in South Africa as xenophobic tensions rise

The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in separate incidents linked to escalating tensions in South Africa.

In a statement on Monday, Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on April 20.

She added that Andrew was arrested a day earlier in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged altercation with officers of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

According to the consulate, the two incidents—both involving security personnel—have sent shockwaves through the Nigerian community and diplomatic circles.

A formal complaint has been lodged with the South African Police Service, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been urged to carry out a full and impartial probe.

“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.

“No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands.”

Okey-Uche said the consulate is in contact with relevant authorities and will support the families of the deceased.

She also cautioned against the growing trend of stereotyping Nigerians as criminals, warning that such narratives are harmful and could further inflame tensions.

The consul-general urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and avoid actions that could escalate the situation while investigations are ongoing.

Fresh concerns over xenophobia have emerged in the country last Tuesday following the circulation of viral videos showing hostility towards African migrants in different parts of the country.

In one widely shared clip, a group of locals confronted a Ghanaian national, questioning his presence and accusing migrants of abandoning their home countries instead of improving them.

“This thing of you guys moving from one country to the other, its no longer working,” a woman said on behalf of the group.

“We don’t want these African people anymore. We’re tired of seeing African migrants moving all over the world, refusing to fix your own countries. Now we’re making it very clear to you guys: we don’t want you here, we want you to fix your countries.

“Now you came here with a travelling document, you came with a passport. You know that you’re a visitor, now you’ve decided to integrate into our communities. You know very well what you’re doing is wrong. We can’t come to Ghana and do what you’re doing.”

In the same footage, a man was seen aggressively interrogating the Ghanaian over his travel documents, alleging fraud and compelling him to warn others from Ghana to leave South Africa to avoid similar encounters.

Another video showed a man believed to be Ghanaian being physically assaulted, further heightening fears of targeted violence. In a separate clip, a South African man criticised foreigners for what he described as enjoying comfort while locals struggle.

“They can’t come here and take our sleep away from us,” he said, insisting that “they must go back to their countries”.