Two Nigerians have been killed in separate incidents in Johannesburg, South Africa, sparking fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals in the country.
The victims have been identified as Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle and James Uchechukwu Nwankwo.
Fakunle was reportedly killed at his residence in Johannesburg on September 4, while Nwankwo was reported dead a day later, on September 5.
Also read: Clement Apaak fires back at Afenyo-Markin over ‘education crisis’ claims
Former Nigerian Minister of Aviation and ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, announced the deaths in a statement shared on his X account on Friday.
According to Fani-Kayode, Fakunle was killed by unknown persons after allegedly receiving a series of threats.
“I am mortified and deeply shocked to hear about the murder of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle by unknown elements in Johannesburg on September 4th. After issuing a series of threats, his killers went to his home and shot him dead,” he said.
He also alleged that Nwankwo died following an encounter with officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS), describing the circumstances as involving what he called “gruesome interrogation techniques.”
“I am equally shocked to hear about the murder of Mr James Uchechukwu Nwankwo by officers of the South African Police Service again in Johannesburg on September 5th,” Fani-Kayode said.
He claimed that Fakunle and Nwankwo were the seventh and eighth Nigerians killed in South Africa in 2026, adding that four of the eight deaths allegedly involved South African security personnel.
Fani-Kayode further claimed that more than 100 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa between 2022 and September 11, 2026, with more than 30 allegedly killed by members of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.
He expressed concern that those allegedly responsible for the deaths had not been brought to justice.
“What is most disturbing is the fact that in spite of our constant expressions of concern about this disturbing state of affairs, not one person has been arrested, detained, prosecuted or brought to justice for ANY of these heinous crimes,” he said.
Fani-Kayode called on the South African Government to take stronger measures to protect Nigerians living in the country and ensure that perpetrators of crimes against them are prosecuted.
“This is unacceptable. We call on the South African Government to do far more to protect our nationals and to bring those who have killed or are planning to kill them to justice,” he said.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has also condemned the killing of Bishop Fakunle and called for action by the relevant authorities.
NICASA National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said two suspects allegedly gained access to Fakunle’s residence before opening fire on him.
According to Onyekwelu, the Bishop was reportedly shot more than seven times.
He said the incident had been reported to the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg and that a murder case had been opened at Jeppe Police Station.
The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg also condemned the killing, describing Fakunle’s death as a “gruesome murder.”
The mission said Fakunle was killed by unidentified assailants at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg.
It called on the relevant South African authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted.
Fani-Kayode also raised concerns over an alleged September 30 deadline issued to African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave South Africa.
He claimed the deadline was issued by some South African non-governmental organisations and alleged that the groups had threatened African nationals who failed to comply.
The former minister urged the South African Government to protect Nigerians from what he described as the excesses of such organisations and to take action against anyone found to have issued threats against foreign nationals.
He warned that continued reports of discrimination, attacks and killings could further strain relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
“Simply put, our patience is wearing thin,” Fani-Kayode said.
He added that Nigerians in South Africa deserved protection and called for stronger government action to prevent further attacks.
As of Friday evening, there was no immediate official response from the South African Government or the South African Police Service regarding the reported deaths of Nwankwo and Fakunle.