The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg says two Nigerians, identified as Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, have been murdered in South Africa amid rising xenophobic tensions.
According to NAN, Consul General Nnikanwa Oke-Uche said in a statement on Monday that Emmanuel died from injuries sustained after he was allegedly beaten by South African National Defense Force (SNDF) personnel on April 20.
He said Andrew, on the other hand, was caught on April 19 in the Booyens area of Pretoria after an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police and his body was later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
The Consul-General said the isolated cases involving security personnel have left the families of the victims, the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in shock.
The Consul General said a formal case has been opened with the South African Police Service and urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to ensure a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
“We call on the South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
“No matter the charges, there are legal procedures. Everyone should be presumed innocent and allowed a fair trial in a court of law. No one should take the law into their own hands.”
The Consulate said that the Consulate is deputing the relevant authorities and will provide necessary assistance to the families of the deceased.
Oki-Uche warned against the growing trend of portraying and generalizing Nigerians as criminals, describing it as dangerous.
The Consul General also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law abiding while the investigation continues.
Click to sign up for daily free news updates, the latest information and topics that matter most
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach our thousands of daily users