Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the alleged killing of two Nigerians in Johannesburg, South Africa, and called on the South African government to protect Nigerians and prosecute those responsible….
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the alleged killing of two Nigerians in Johannesburg, South Africa, and called on the South African government to protect Nigerians and prosecute those responsible.
Fani-Kayode said Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle was shot dead at his home in Johannesburg on September 4 after allegedly receiving a series of threats from his killers.
He also alleged that another Nigerian, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, died on September 5 following what he described as “gruesome interrogation techniques” by officers of the South African Police Service.
According to Fani-Kayode, the two deaths bring to eight the number of Nigerians allegedly murdered in South Africa this year, with four of the eight reportedly killed by South African police officers.
He further claimed that more than 100 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa since 2022, including over 30 allegedly killed by personnel of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.
“What is most disturbing is the fact that in spite of our constant expressions of concern about this disturbing state of affairs, not one person has been arrested, detained, prosecuted or brought to justice for ANY of these heinous crimes,” he said.
“This is unacceptable.”
Fani-Kayode urged the South African government to intensify efforts to protect Nigerians living in the country and ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
“No-one deserves to be targeted and murdered simply because they are Nigerian,” he said.
He said the Nigerian community in South Africa was “deeply disturbed” and living in fear over what could happen next, adding that the Nigerian Mission in South Africa was equally concerned.
The former minister also raised concerns over what he described as another deadline issued to African nationals, including Nigerians, to leave South Africa by September 30.
He alleged that the deadline was issued by “brazenly racist, xenophobic and Afrophobic” South African non-governmental organisations, which he accused of threatening African nationals who failed to comply.
Fani-Kayode called on the South African government to protect Nigerians from such groups and “apply the full weight of the law” against anyone threatening or attacking them.
He said Nigeria remained committed to strengthening its relationship with South Africa but warned that continued killings and discrimination against Nigerians could have consequences.
“Whilst we seek to establish stronger and deeper ties with the South African Government, one thing remains clear,” he said.
“If this vicious cycle of discrimination against and killing of our nationals do not stop there will be consequences. Simply put, our patience is wearing thin.”
Fani-Kayode also contrasted the situation with the treatment of South Africans in Nigeria, saying Nigerians and Nigerian security agencies did not target South Africans for killings.
“The least the South African Government can do is to reciprocate this gesture, protect our nationals and address our legitimate concerns,” he said.
He expressed condolences to the families and associates of Fakunle and Nwankwo, praying for the repose of their souls.
