Nigerian consulate condemns killing of compatriot in S’Africa
The Consulate Normal of Nigeria in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of a Nigerian nationwide, Emeka Clement Uzor, who was reportedly shot useless in Windsor East, Randburg, South Africa.
PUNCH Metro had reported that Uzor was killed on Sunday, February 8, throughout an incident involving a bunch led by Mr Xolani Khumalo.
In an announcement issued on Monday and obtained by our correspondent, the consulate described the killing as unacceptable and deeply troubling, noting that the incident had thrown Uzor’s household, the Nigerian neighborhood and diplomatic missions in South Africa into shock and mourning.
The consulate stated the killing had raised renewed considerations over the security of Nigerians and different international nationals residing within the nation.
“The Consulate Normal of Nigeria in Johannesburg condemns within the strongest phrases the killing of considered one of its nationals, Emeka Clement Uzor, by a bunch led by Xolani Khumalo, at Windsor East, Randburg, on eighth February 2026,” the assertion learn.
“The report of this incident has induced the household, the Nigerian neighborhood and diplomatic missions in South Africa a lot shock and ache.”
It added that the incident had once more delivered to the fore considerations over what it described as makes an attempt by some parts to stereotype Nigerians in South Africa as criminals.
“The unlucky incident has raised questions over the security of Nigerians and different foreigners in South Africa. It additionally raises considerations about what seems to be a deliberate try by some parts to generalise and tag well-meaning, respectable Nigerians as criminals,” the consulate stated.
Nonetheless, it famous that it was inspired by the proactive investigations of South African authorities and assurances that these accountable can be delivered to justice.
The consulate pressured that no matter any allegation, due course of have to be adopted and suspects have to be presumed harmless till confirmed responsible by a courtroom of regulation.
Whereas awaiting the result of investigations and doable prosecution of these concerned, it urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to stay calm and law-abiding.
“The Consulate extends its deepest condolences to the household of the deceased. Whereas we pray for his soul to relaxation in peace, we stay dedicated to our mandate of guaranteeing the welfare and truthful therapy of all Nigerians in South Africa,” the assertion added.
In the meantime, in an announcement revealed on its web site and seen by PUNCH Metro on Monday, ActionSA confirmed that the taking pictures occurred throughout an anti-drug operation.
“ActionSA can verify that in an anti-drug operation yesterday, joined by ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Cllr Xolani Khumalo, a taking pictures incident occurred during which a Nigerian suspect, recognized as being concerned in drug trafficking, was shot,” the group acknowledged.
ActionSA stated drug syndicates had lengthy terrorised communities by means of violence and intimidation, including that it might proceed to help lawful measures to dismantle felony networks.
The group additional stated its 10-Level Motion Plan for Ekurhuleni empowered it to deploy assets to fight crime, together with establishing specialised items, deploying crime-mapping know-how and strengthening neighborhood policing constructions.
Nonetheless, the President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Mr Sensible Nwobi, disputed claims that Uzor was concerned in drug trafficking and accused these concerned within the operation of performing unlawfully.
Talking with PUNCH Metro on Monday, Nwobi stated Uzor ought to have been arrested and subjected to investigation if there have been credible allegations towards him, relatively than being killed.
The killing provides to a listing of high-profile instances involving Nigerians in South Africa which have strained diplomatic relations between each international locations, with neighborhood leaders accusing South African authorities and safety operatives of profiling Nigerians as criminals.
PUNCH Metro reported in July 2025 that two Nigerians, recognized merely as Austin and Ayo, had been shot useless by unidentified gunmen in Durban, South Africa.