The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the death of 34-year-old Nigerian, Christian Hilary Nnaemeka, in Johannesburg.
Nnaemeka was reportedly attacked around 8pm on Monday near Willow and Filbert Streets in Primrose, Johannesburg. The incident allegedly involved television personality Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizokthola crew.
In a statement signed by George O. Sylvester, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the NUSA President-General, the union said it was seeking clarification on the circumstances surrounding Nnaemeka’s death.
According to the union, Nnaemeka was from Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State. He was also a husband and father of a three-year-old son.
NUSA urged South African authorities to identify and investigate everyone linked to the incident and ensure that anyone found to
have acted unlawfully is brought to justice.The union also called for clarification on whether the incident occurred during an authorised operation and what steps authorities are taking to establish what happened.
NUSA said it would engage the relevant South African authorities and work with the Nigerian diplomatic mission, including the Consul-General’s Office and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to pursue the matter.
While supporting lawful efforts to combat crime and drug-related activities, the union stressed that allegations of criminality must be handled through due process.
It said the death had raised fresh concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa and called for the truth surrounding Nnaemeka’s death to be established.
NUSA maintained that justice should be pursued for the deceased and his family, particularly his young son who has now lost his father.
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