Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, two Nigerians, were killed in South Africa amid escalating xenophobic sentiments, according to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg.

NAN reports that the consul-general, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said in a statement on Monday that Emmanuel passed away from injuries he allegedly received after being assaulted on April 20 by members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

In contrast, she stated that Andrew was arrested on April 19 in the Booysens neighborhood of Pretoria after an alleged incident with Tshwane Metro Police officers. His body was subsequently found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

The relatives of the victims, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions are shocked by the separate cases involving security personnel, according to the consular general.

The consul general requested the independent police investigative directorate (IPID) to guarantee a comprehensive, open, and unbiased inquiry and stated that a formal case had been lodged with the South African Police Service.

“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she 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.”

The embassy is interacting with the appropriate authorities and will offer the families of the deceased the assistance they require, the consular continued.

Source