34-year-old Nigerian killed in South Africa, NUSA demands probe

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The Nigerian Union in South Africa has demanded an immediate and independent investigation into the death of a 34-year-old Nigerian, Christian Nnaemeka, following an alleged attack involving television personality Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizokthola crew in Johannesburg.

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NUSA, in a statement signed by its Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President-General, George O. Sylvester, said Nnaemeka was allegedly attacked at about 8 pm on Monday around Willow and Filbert Streets, Primrose, Johannesburg.

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The union said the deceased hailed from Enugu-Ezike in the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State and was a husband and father of a three-year-old son.

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NUSA said it was seeking answers over the circumstances surrounding the Nigerian’s death, including what happened to him, why he was allegedly attacked and those responsible for the incident.

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“We therefore demand an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Christian Hilary Nnaemeka’s death,” the union said.

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It urged the South African authorities to identify and investigate everyone connected with the incident, adding that anyone found to have acted unlawfully should face the full weight of the law.

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NUSA also questioned whether the incident was connected to an authorised operation and called for clarification on the steps being taken by the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding Nnaemeka’s death.

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“We demand that every person connected to this incident be identified and properly investigated. If anyone is found to have acted unlawfully, that person must face the full weight of the law, regardless of position, influence or affiliation.

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“We also demand clear answers: What happened to Christian? Why was he attacked? Who was responsible? Was the incident part of an authorised operation? And what steps are the authorities taking to ensure justice?,” the statement read.

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The union said it would engage relevant South African authorities and work with the Nigerian Mission, “particularly the Consul-General’s Office and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to pursue this matter to its logical conclusion.”

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It also urged the Nigerian diplomatic mission to intensify engagement with South African authorities and use available diplomatic channels to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerians living in the country.

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NUSA said it supported lawful efforts to tackle crime and drug-related offences but insisted that allegations of criminality should be handled through due process.

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“No allegation of criminality should become a licence to take a human life,” the union said.

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The union said Nnaemeka’s death had left his three-year-old son without a father and called for the truth surrounding the incident to be established.

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“This is not the first concern raised over the safety of Nigerians, but NUSA insists it should be the last,” the statement added.

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The union said it would not remain silent, demanding answers, accountability and justice for Nnaemeka and his family.

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