Nigeria condemns killing of two nationals in South Africa xenophobia protests
Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the killing of two nationals in South Africa amid rising xenophobic protests. Emeka Charles Iroegbu was allegedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police in Pretoria on June 28 2026 during harsh interrogation, while Musa Yunana Joe was shot dead outside his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga the same day. The ministry also noted the unresolved April killing of Nnaemeka Ekpenyong by the same officers, with no arrests despite SAPS knowing their identities. On June 30, the ‘March and March’ movement marched in Durban, setting an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country.
The killings underscore a growing pattern of foreign nationals being targeted in South Africa, prompting the Nigerian government to warn that continued attacks could trigger unspecified measures. It stressed that South Africa has a duty to protect all foreigners legally residing there and warned that recent hateful remarks by a South African official — urging departing Nigerians to reveal where they hide drugs — amount to hate speech that fuels violence. Nigerians in South Africa are urged to stay calm, avoid areas prone to violence, move to safer neighbourhoods and remain security conscious while the government works diplomatically and arranges evacuation flights at no cost.
If you are currently in South Africa or know someone there, consider reviewing your safety plan: avoid known flashpoints, keep emergency contacts handy, and follow official evacuation updates. Will you rely on the government‑organized flights, seek alternative safe routes, or adjust your stay plans until the situation stabilizes?