The Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg has condemned the  killing of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, by South African National Defence Force operatives on Saturday, in Port Elizabeth.

The consul general, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed this in a statement on Monday following the passing of the two compatriots.

Ms Okey-Uche said the killings had further raised questions about the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.

She added that the separate killings had thrown the deceased’s families, the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions into shock.

The consul-general noted the inherent danger of continuous generalisation in some quarters and tagging of well-meaning, innocent Nigerians in the country as criminals.

Ms Okey-Uche said, “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 a hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their own hands under any circumstances. We hope to achieve the ultimate prosecution of the perpetrators.”

She appealed to Nigerian citizens to remain calm and law-abiding as they conduct their legal activities and go about their daily lives in South
Africa.

Ms Okey-Uche said that the consulate had received the report of the preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s death.

Mr Emmanuel’s untimely death allegedly resulted from injuries sustained during the brutal beatings by the military operatives on April 20, 2026, following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police.

Mr Andrew was apprehended on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria, and his body was subsequently discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

“A formal case has been opened with the South African Police Service, and the matter is being investigated. We welcome this development and underscore the importance of ensuring the investigation is conducted in a thorough, transparent, and impartial manner.

“In this regard, the Consulate-General respectfully calls on the relevant South African authorities, including the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), to expedite inquiries and establish the facts surrounding this incident,” Ms Okey-Uche said.

According to her, the consulate is actively engaging with the relevant South African authorities and closely monitoring developments.

“We are poised to assist the family of the deceased to provide necessary consular support and assistance,” Ms Okey-Uche said.

(NAN)