Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) has called for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the death of a 34-year-old Nigerian man who reportedly died following an alleged attack in Johannesburg.
Christian Hilary Nnaemeka, from Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, was attacked at about 8:00 p.m. on Monday, 21 September 2026, around Willow and Filbert Streets in Primrose, Johannesburg, according to the union.
In a statement signed by George O. Sylvester, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President General of NUSA, the union expressed deep sadness over the incident, describing the death as another painful loss for the Nigerian community in South Africa.
NUSA alleged that the attack involved Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizokthola crew, and called for a proper investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine individual responsibility.
The union expressed concern that Mr Nnaemeka’s death has left behind a grieving family, including his wife and his three-year-old son, who has now lost his father at a very yonotung age.
“Today, NUSA speaks only for a Nigerian who has lost his life, but for a family that has lost a husband and a father,” the union said.
NUSA urged the South African authorities to investigate the matter urgently, identify all those connected to the incident and prosecute anyone found to have acted unlawfully.
The union said several questions require clear answers, including what led to the reported attack, why Mr Nnaemeka was allegedly attacked, who was responsible and whether the incident occurred as part of any authorised operation.
It stressed that while it supports lawful efforts to combat crime and drug-related activities, allegations of criminality should not replace due process or provide justification for the unlawful taking of human life.
NUSA also called on the Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa, particularly the Consul-General’s Office and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to intensify engagement with the South African authorities and use available diplomatic channels to pursue justice.
The union said the safety and protection of Nigerians living in South Africa must remain a priority, stressing that the circumstances surrounding Mr Nnaemeka’s death should not be allowed to remain unresolved.
It acknowledged that no action could bring the deceased back to his family, but insisted that establishing the truth about his death and ensuring accountability would be an important step towards justice.
“This is not the first concern raised over the safety of Nigerians, but NUSA insists it should be the last,” the statement said.
NUSA reiterated its call for answers, accountability and justice for Mr Nnaemeka, his family and other Nigerians living in South Africa.
