Johannesburg: The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has urged Nigerians in South Africa to seek justice through due process following the killing of Emeka Clement Uzor, a compatriot. The consulate, however, strongly condemned the killing, noting that it had raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the consulate stated that the deceased was attacked on Sunday at Windsor East in Johannesburg by a group allegedly led by one Xoilani Khumalo. It expressed concern over what it described as a seeming deliberate attempt by some elements to generalise issues and label all Nigerians in the country as criminals.
Reports of the incident have caused the family of the deceased, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions in South Africa great shock and pain. The consulate said South African authorities had promised to investigate the incident thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
It appealed to the Nigerian community in that country to remain calm and law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigation. Xenophobic attacks in South Africa, particularly those in 2008, 2015, and 2019, highlight deep-rooted sentiments of discrimination and intolerance against foreign migrants.
Available data show that the 2008 xenophobic attacks recorded the highest number of deaths, followed by the violence witnessed in 2015 and 2019.