The death toll of Nigerians killed in South Africa has continued to rise with another report of two people becoming the latest victims of xenophobia attack. The recent incident occurred in Johannesburg and Cape Town on April 5 and April 6, 2019, respectively were their assailants stabbed two Nigerian to death.
The Assistant Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Union in South Africa (NUSA), Mr. Odefa Ikele, confirmed the ugly trend. Stressing that the Nigerian community lost two citizens to gruesome murders over the weekend.
He further explained that the assailants followed the first victim from 152 Hay Street Turffontein, and thereafter, stabbed and killed him in front of his gate at Turf Road, Turffontein. Also, Mr. Izochukwu Nwokocha witnessed the killing. According to him, the killing had been reported and a case of murder has been opened at Booysens Police Station in Johannesburg South.
In the same vein, another Nigerian, Goziem Akpenyi, also lost his life in similar circumstance on April 5, 2019. It was gathered that Akpenyi was allegedly stabbed to death by three unknown colored South African men after an argument with the deceased.
Ikele disclosed that the second incident took place at Bellville Stadium parking lot in Cape Town about on Friday, April 5, 2019.
According to him, these latest killings are in addition to four other Nigerians who were shot dead in March 2019. Three of the victims were murdered in Sunnyside, Pretoria and one in Balfour Park, Johannesburg, respectively.
Ikele further opined that the arrest and prosecution of the culprits by the South African Police would put to a stop the daily killings of Nigerians. This according to him raised concern among members of NUSA over the incessant killings of Nigerians and worried that the perpetrators had not been brought to book.
The Association called on the Nigerian Government to wade into the matter by urging South African authorities to show commitment in investigating, prosecuting and placing adequate measures to nib the menace in the bud.
