Fresh concerns have emerged over rising tensions in South Africa following the deaths of two Nigerian nationals in separate incidents involving security personnel.
The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has called for urgent investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew.
According to the consulate, Emmanuel died on April 20 after reportedly sustaining injuries allegedly inflicted by personnel of the South African National Defence Force. The exact details of the incident remain unclear, but the case has sparked concern within the Nigerian community.
In a separate development, Andrew was arrested on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged altercation with officers of the Tshwane Metro Police. His death was later confirmed after his body was found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary, raising questions about what transpired after his arrest.
Reacting, the Nigerian Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, described the incidents as disturbing and called for a thorough and transparent investigation. She confirmed that formal complaints have been filed with the South African Police Service and urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to probe the cases.
She stressed the importance of due process and warned against profiling Nigerians, urging citizens in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while authorities continue their investigations.