The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of a Nigerian national, Emeka Clement Uzor, who was reportedly shot dead in Windsor East, Randburg, South Africa.
PUNCH Metro had reported that Uzor was killed on Sunday, February 8, during an incident involving a group led by Mr Xolani Khumalo.
In a statement issued on Monday and obtained by our correspondent, the consulate described the killing as unacceptable and deeply troubling, noting that the incident had thrown Uzor’s family, the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in South Africa into shock and mourning.
The consulate said the killing had raised renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in the country.
“The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg condemns in the strongest terms the killing of one of its nationals, Emeka Clement Uzor, by a group led by Xolani Khumalo, at Windsor East, Randburg, on 8th February 2026,” the statement read.
“The report of this incident has caused the family, the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in South Africa much shock and pain.”
It added that the incident had again brought to the fore concerns over what it described as attempts by some elements to stereotype Nigerians in South Africa as criminals.
“The unfortunate incident has raised questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa. It also raises concerns about what appears to be a deliberate attempt by some elements to generalise and tag well-meaning, respectable Nigerians as criminals,” the consulate said.
However, it noted that it was encouraged by the proactive investigations of South African authorities and assurances that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The consulate stressed that regardless of any allegation, due process must be followed and suspects must be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
While awaiting the outcome of investigations and possible prosecution of those involved, it urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding.
“The Consulate extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. While we pray for his soul to rest in peace, we remain committed to our mandate of ensuring the welfare and fair treatment of all Nigerians in South Africa,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, in a statement published on its website and seen by PUNCH Metro on Monday, ActionSA confirmed that the shooting occurred during an anti-drug operation.
“ActionSA can confirm that during an anti-drug operation yesterday, joined by ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Cllr Xolani Khumalo, a shooting incident occurred in which a Nigerian suspect, identified as being involved in drug trafficking, was shot,” the group stated.
ActionSA said drug syndicates had long terrorised communities through violence and intimidation, adding that it would continue to support lawful measures to dismantle criminal networks.
The group further said its 10-Point Action Plan for Ekurhuleni empowered it to deploy resources to combat crime, including establishing specialised units, deploying crime-mapping technology and strengthening community policing structures.
However, the President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Mr Smart Nwobi, disputed claims that Uzor was involved in drug trafficking and accused those involved in the operation of acting unlawfully.
Speaking with PUNCH Metro on Monday, Nwobi said Uzor should have been arrested and subjected to investigation if there were credible allegations against him, rather than being killed.
The killing adds to a list of high-profile cases involving Nigerians in South Africa that have strained diplomatic relations between both countries, with community leaders accusing South African authorities and security operatives of profiling Nigerians as criminals.
PUNCH Metro reported in July 2025 that two Nigerians, identified simply as Austin and Ayo, were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Durban, South Africa.
