The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions.
Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the consul-general, said in a statement on Monday that Emmanuel died after sustaining injuries from an alleged assault involving members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on April 20.
She also explained that Andrew was detained on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria after an incident involving officials of the Tshwane Metro Police.
According to her, his body was later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
The consulate said both cases have caused concern among the Nigerian community, the families of the victims, and diplomatic representatives, especially because security agencies are reportedly involved.
The consul-general said the matter has been reported to the South African Police Service, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been urged to conduct a full and unbiased investigation.
“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Okey-Uche said.
“No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands.”
Okey-Uche also said the consulate is working with relevant authorities and will continue to support the families of the deceased during the process.
She further warned against increasing cases of Nigerians being broadly labelled as criminals, saying such generalisations are harmful and unfair.
The consul-general urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and continue to obey the law while investigations are ongoing.
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