The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of two Nigerian nationals by South African National Defence Force personnel in Port Elizabeth on 25 April, calling on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the deaths and bring those responsible to justice.
The two deceased have been identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew. Consul-General Ambassador Ninikanwa Okey-Uche disclosed the condemnation in a statement on Monday, saying the killings had raised serious questions about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to the Consulate, Emmanuel’s death allegedly resulted from injuries sustained during beatings by military personnel on 20 April 2026. Andrew was apprehended on 19 April in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was subsequently discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary. 
Okey-Uche said the separate incidents had thrown the families of the deceased, the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions into shock. She also raised concern over the continued labelling of innocent Nigerians in South Africa as criminals.
“On this, we are calling on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators of the gruesome act to justice. Our position is that no matter what the allegations may be, there are lawful processes and steps to justice. All should be presumed innocent and granted fair treatment and hearing in a court of law. No one should take laws into their own hands under any circumstances. We hope to achieve the ultimate prosecution of the perpetrators,” she said.
The Consul-General confirmed that a formal case had been opened with the South African Police Service and that the matter was under investigation. She called on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to expedite its inquiries and establish the facts surrounding the incidents in a thorough, transparent and impartial manner.
Okey-Uche said the Consulate had already received a report of the preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and was in active engagement with the appropriate South African authorities while closely monitoring developments. She added that the Consulate was ready to assist the families of the deceased with the necessary consular support.
The Consul-General appealed to Nigerian citizens in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding as they go about their daily lives, and urged the Nigerian community to allow relevant authorities to carry out their investigations. She extended condolences to the families of both men.
