Two Nigerian nationals have been killed in separate incidents in South Africa amid renewed xenophobic tensions, according to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg.
In a statement issued on Friday, the consulate identified the victims as Emeka Iroegbu and Musa Joe. Both men were killed on Sunday, June 28, although under different circumstances.
The consulate said Joe was allegedly killed by suspected criminals in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province. Iroegbu, however, reportedly died after being tortured by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria.
According to the statement, Iroegbu was subjected to severe torture while in the custody of metro police officers, leading to his death. The consulate condemned the incident and said it was engaging the relevant South African authorities.
The killings come as concerns continue to grow over renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
South Africa Rejects Compensation
Meanwhile, the South African government has ruled out compensation for Nigerian citizens who abandoned businesses and properties while fleeing the recent wave of xenophobic attacks.
The unrest intensified after a group known as March and March renewed protests against foreign nationals and issued a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Although South African authorities have distanced themselves from the group's activities, critics argue that the government has not done enough to protect affected communities.
The Nigerian government had indicated plans to seek compensation for citizens who suffered losses. Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Temitope Ajayi, said officials had begun documenting damaged and abandoned properties as part of discussions on possible compensation.
However, South Africa's Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, rejected the proposal during a press briefing on Friday, saying the government would not compensate anyone for property left behind.
Responding to the issue, Ntshavheni said:
"We'll be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are. So they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so that we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently."
According to Nigerian officials, at least 859 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa since the latest anti-foreigner protests began. The Federal Government says it will continue engaging South African authorities over the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens living in the country.
