The Nigerian community in South Africa is grappling with the tragic killing of Mr. Julius Chukwunta, who succumbed to injuries following a violent altercation in Midrand, Johannesburg.
Chukwunta’s death has sparked outrage and raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
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According to Frank Onyewekelu, President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa, the incident occurred on December 7, 2024, when Chukwunta and his partner returned home from work.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that upon reaching their residential complex, they encountered four men blocking the entrance. An argument ensued when Chukwunta asked them to move their vehicle.
After the men refused, Chukwunta proceeded to the estate’s security post to lodge a complaint. The four men followed him, initiated a fight, and brutally attacked him, inflicting severe head injuries by striking him with a brick.
Chukwunta’s partner, Miss Lumka, a South African national, discovered him bleeding and sought help, but no assistance came for nearly an hour. She eventually called her father, who helped rush Chukwunta to the hospital. Despite medical intervention, he died three days later on December 10 due to blood loss and the severity of his injuries.
South African authorities responded swiftly, arresting the suspects based on surveillance footage from the complex. Three of the four men were granted bail of 10,000 rand each, while the fourth awaits a bail hearing. Onyewekelu criticized the court’s decision to grant bail, expressing concerns that the suspects, three of whom are Zimbabweans with South African residency, pose a flight risk.
“Granting them bail may allow them to escape to Zimbabwe, which could jeopardize the case,” Onyewekelu said, adding that the Nigerian community felt disappointed by the prosecuting counsel’s lack of opposition during the bail proceedings.
The tragedy is one of many cases of violence against Nigerians in South Africa. Onyewekelu revealed that between November 2023 and December 2024, up to 20 Nigerians died in similar circumstances.
He cited instances of police brutality and extrajudicial killings, including the recent death of a Nigerian man in Cape Town while in police custody.
The association has called on the Nigerian government to take decisive action by engaging South African authorities and ensuring justice for Nigerian nationals.
Onyewekelu also highlighted xenophobia as a persistent issue, noting that Nigerians are often falsely accused of taking jobs or partners from South Africans. “The reality is that most Nigerians here are self-employed, contributing to the economy,” he stated.
In response to these challenges, the association has been organizing seminars and workshops to educate Nigerians on legal compliance and safety in South Africa.
They also conduct town hall meetings to foster unity and provide updates on pressing issues.
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