In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the weekend, Nigeria said Emeka Charles Iroegbu was allegedly killed by members of the Tshwane Metro Police Department in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28. Nigerian authorities further alleged that the officers involved used brutal interrogation methods during the incident.
The ministry also referenced the earlier killing of Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong on April 20, alleging that the same officers were involved. According to the statement, no arrests have been made despite the officers’ identities reportedly being known to the SA Police Service.
A second Nigerian national, Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as Big Joe, was shot and killed outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on June 28 by unidentified assailants.
Nigeria said the incidents come at a time when foreign nationals are facing increased hostility in parts of SA and warned against the stereotyping of Nigerians as criminals. “These two killings come at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted in SA,” the ministry said.
The government expressed concern that the incidents raise serious questions about the security of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in the country.
The statement further alleged a pattern of misconduct involving some law enforcement officials and argued that repeated incidents involving Nigerian citizens could raise issues of state responsibility under international law.
Nigeria noted that information gathered by its diplomatic missions in SA is being documented and could form the basis for future legal action.
While acknowledging SA’s challenges with crime, the Nigerian government maintained that law-abiding foreign nationals should not be subjected to violence or discrimination. “The systematic targeting of Nigerian nationals who are legally residing in SA is not acceptable, and their safety should be guaranteed,” the statement said.
Nigeria warned that if such incidents continue, it could consider additional measures, though it did not specify what actions it might take.
At the same time, the government urged Nigerians to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory actions, stressing its commitment to resolving the matter through diplomatic engagement. “We will continue to pursue dialogue and negotiations in the spirit of African unity, brotherhood and solidarity,” the ministry said.
The statement also confirmed that the ongoing evacuation process for registered Nigerians wishing to leave SA remains underway.
–ChannelAfrica–
