The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has reported the deaths of two Nigerian nationals, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, amid escalating xenophobic tensions in South Africa.

The consulate expressed deep concern regarding the circumstances surrounding these deaths, which have left the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in a state of shock.

According to the Nigerian Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, Amaramiro Emmanuel died following injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on April 20. The official statement highlighted that this incident involving state security personnel has raised serious questions about the treatment of foreign nationals.

In a separate incident, Ekpenyong Andrew was apprehended on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was subsequently discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary, a development that has prompted immediate demands for clarity and accountability from the relevant authorities.

The Nigerian Consulate has formally opened a case with the South African Police Service and has urgently called upon the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into both cases.

Consul-General Okey-Uche emphasized that regardless of any allegations, lawful processes must be followed, noting that individuals should be presumed innocent and granted a fair hearing in a court of law rather than facing extrajudicial actions.

Furthermore, the consulate is currently engaging with relevant South African authorities to provide support to the families of the deceased. The Consul-General also warned against the dangerous trend of profiling and generalizing Nigerians as criminals, urging Nigerian citizens in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while the consulate pushes for justice and a resolution to the ongoing tensions.