The Nigerian Union in South Africa has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the death of 34-year-old Nigerian, Christian Hilary Nnaemeka, in Johannesburg.
In a statement signed by George O. Sylvester, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President-General of NUSA, the union said Nnaemeka was allegedly attacked at about 8pm on Monday around Willow and Filbert Streets in Primrose, Johannesburg.
NUSA said the deceased was from Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State. According to the union, Nnaemeka was married and had a three-year-old son.
The union said it was seeking clarification on the circumstances that led to his death, including the events surrounding the alleged attack, the reason for it and the identities of those responsible.
“We, therefore, demand an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Christian Hilary Nnaemeka’s death,” the union said.
NUSA urged South African authorities to identify and investigate all individuals linked to the incident, stressing that anyone found to have violated the law should be prosecuted irrespective of their status or affiliations.
The union also sought clarification on whether the incident occurred during an authorised operation and asked authorities to explain the measures being taken to establish what led to Nnaemeka’s death.
“We demand that every person connected to this incident be identified and properly investigated. If anyone is found to have acted unlawfully, that person must face the full weight of the law, regardless of position, influence or affiliation.
“We also demand clear answers: What happened to Christian? Why was he attacked? Who was responsible? Was the incident part of an authorised operation? And what steps are the authorities taking to ensure justice?” the statement read.
NUSA said it would engage with the relevant South African authorities while collaborating with the Nigerian Mission, “particularly the Consul-General’s Office and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to pursue this matter to its logical conclusion.”
It further appealed to the Nigerian diplomatic mission to strengthen discussions with South African authorities and deploy available diplomatic channels to protect Nigerians residing in the country.
While acknowledging the need for lawful measures against crime and drug-related activities, NUSA maintained that accusations of criminal conduct must be addressed in accordance with due process.
The union’s demand comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, following a series of reported attacks and killings involving Nigerian nationals.
Two weeks ago, a Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, 58, from Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was also reportedly killed in South Africa.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), in a statement issued by its National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, alleged that Bishop Taiwo was brutally killed on Friday, 4 September 2026, at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg.
According to NICASA, the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death have caused distress among his family, friends and members of the Nigerian community.
