Nigerian Consulate in South Africa demands arrest of Emeka Uzor’s killers in Johannesburg

The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has condemned in strong terms the killing of a Nigerian national, Emeka Clement Uzor, who was allegedly murdered by a group led by a South African identified as Xolani Khumalo in Randburg, Johannesburg.

In a statement dated February 10, 2026, the Nigerian mission said Uzor was killed on February 8, 2026, at Windsor East, Randburg, describing the incident as shocking and deeply painful to the victim’s family, the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in South Africa.

The Consulate said the killing has again raised serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, as well as what it described as a growing tendency to profile and stigmatise law-abiding Nigerians as criminals.

“The unfortunate incident has raised questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa. It also raises questions about what seems to be a deliberate attempt by some elements to generalise and tag well-meaning, respectable Nigerians in the country as criminals,” the statement read.

While condemning the killing, the Consulate said it had engaged extensively with South African authorities and expressed cautious optimism over what it described as proactive investigations into the incident. It added that it had received assurances that those responsible would be brought to justice.

The Nigerian mission stressed that regardless of any allegations, no individual has the right to take the law into their own hands, insisting that suspects must be presumed innocent and given a fair hearing in a court of law.

“No matter what the allegations are, there are processes and steps to justice. We condemn all forms of extra-judicial killings. All lives matter. This includes Nigerians,” the Consulate stated.

The Consulate urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while going about their daily activities, as investigations into the killing continue.

It also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, assuring that it would continue to carry out its mandate of protecting the welfare and ensuring the fair treatment of Nigerians in South Africa.

The killing comes amid recurring reports of attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, with Nigerians frequently raising concerns over xenophobic violence and inadequate protection by authorities.(www.amatropics.com)