Two Nigerians ‘killed in S’Africa within 48 hours’

Two Nigerians have reportedly been killed within 48 hours in South Africa.

A source close to the Nigerian community in the country told NAN that the first victim — Ikechukwu Edmond, aged 40 — was allegedly killed on November 11 while the second — Eluka Agu — was allegedly bitten to death on November 13.

The source said the Edmond, a businessman and native of Ihembosi, Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra, was killed in front of his house on Amant street, Malvern, Johannesburg.

An eyewitness was quoted as saying that six men came to their house and started breaking doors and taking out their personal effects.

He said: “When she (the neighbour identified as Sibongile) raised alarm, they started beating her. When Ikechukwu came in and saw what was happening, he brought out his phone to call the police.

“A member of the gang took a brick and hit him in the face and he fell down. When the police arrived, he was already dead.”

The source also quoted police as saying they have commenced an investigation into Edmond’s death.

On the other hand, Agu, a native of Ihiala in Anambra, was allegedly robbed and then beaten by some South Africans at Oliven, Centurion.

It was learnt that the police later came and took him to his house for a search.

“The victim pleaded with the police to take him to the hospital for treatment but they refused,” the source was also quoted to have said.

“They searched his house without finding anything (but) he (subsequently) died as a result of the severe beating.”

The source added that the Nigerian community in the area expressed worry about the incidents and resolved to take up the matter with “appropriate authorities”.

There have been several reported deaths of Nigerians in South Africa in 2017 alone.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, senior special adviser to the president on diaspora & foreign affairs, had recently condemned the reported deaths of Nigerians in the country while calling for investigations into the incidents.