Three more Nigerians have died in separate incidents in South Africa within four days, adding to concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other African nationals amid renewed anti-migrant tensions in the country.

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg disclosed the deaths in a statement by Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, who called on South African authorities to investigate the incidents and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.

The latest cases occurred between September 18 and 21 and involved Nigerians in Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni.

The first death occurred on September 18 in Bloemfontein.

According to the Nigerian Consulate, Kenechukwu Christopher Igwemmadu allegedly jumped from a building at Kenlin Court on Douglas Street while attempting to escape alleged police harassment and brutality.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are being called for investigation by the Nigerian mission.

Two days later, Olaniyi Olaleye Olatunde, a Nigerian security guard, was allegedly shot at the Spanata Bar and Grills Night Club in Mamelodi East, Pretoria.

The Consulate said Olatunde had confronted an unidentified South African customer who allegedly attempted to leave the facility with a cup belonging to the club.

The disagreement reportedly escalated, with the man allegedly pulling out a firearm and shooting Olatunde.

“This resulted in an altercation and the South African pulled out his firearm and shot OLATUNDE in his lower body part, leading to a serious injury and profuse loss of blood,” the Consulate said.

The alleged shooter reportedly fled after the incident and later threatened witnesses who attempted to identify him to police.

Olatunde was taken to hospital but died from his injuries on September 21.

The third case involved Christian Hillary Nnaemeka, who died on September 21 following an alleged encounter with South African politician and investigative content creator Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizok’thola team in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.

The Consulate alleged that Nnaemeka was assaulted during the encounter before attempting to escape.

It said he later collapsed from his injuries and exhaustion and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

The allegations have not been established in court, and the Consulate stressed that suspects should be presumed innocent and given an opportunity to defend themselves.

Another Nigerian killed in February

The Consulate also recalled the February 9 death of another Nigerian, Emeka Clement Uzor, who it said was shot during an encounter with Khumalo’s reality television crew in Windsor East, Randburg.

According to the Consulate, no arrest had been made in connection with Uzor’s death.

The latest incidents have renewed concerns over the treatment and safety of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

“The recent deaths raise concerns about the treatment and security of Nigerians, and other Africans in South Africa, amid xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, threats and other forms of ill-treatment,” Okey-Uche said.

She added: “All lives matter. Allegations must be handled through due process, with suspects presumed innocent and given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.”

The Consul-General urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious while the Nigerian mission continues to pursue their welfare and fair treatment.