In the wake of the spate of xenophobic attacks on migrants, the Nigerian community in South Africa says at least 105 Nigerians have been killed in the country during the last seven years.
This is in a statement signed by the leaders of the community, Smart Nwobi and Frank Onyekwelu of the Nigerian Union South Africa and Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa respectively.
The statement denied a report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation, attributed to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, saying migrants were not being killed in South Africa.
“Denying or downplaying the concerns raised by migrant communities risks discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting abuses and undermines efforts towards justice, reconciliation and social cohesion,” the statement stated.
It said migrants, especially Nigerians, have over the years been victims of xenophobic-related deaths, including alleged extra-judicial killings, mob attacks, vigilante violence, gunshots and unlawful use of force.
The community agreed that appropriate public communication and the avoidance of incendiary narratives were necessary, but stated that exposing the harsh realities encountered by Nigerians and other foreign nationals was equally important.
“Based on records compiled from community reports, civil society engagements, media publications and documented incidents within migrant communities, there have been several cases involving the deaths of Nigerians in South Africa under troubling and unresolved circumstances from 2019 till date.
“Available community records show that in 2019 during a xenophobic unrest that broke out in Johannesburg, many Nigerian businesses, shops and cars were torched through mob violence, with some 12 lives lost through direct attacks, brutality and mob justice.
In 2022, over 17 Nigerians were reportedly killed by violent attacks, vigilante-style killings, criminal attacks and alleged brutality by security personnel. In 2023, over 40 Nigerians were reportedly killed by incidents ranging from mob violence and alleged police misconduct to unexplained violent encounters.”
It added that in 2024, roughly eight Nigerians reportedly perished under terrible circumstances, while in 2025, eight others died in gunshots, violent confrontations and fatalities in police custody.
“More recently, from January 2026 to date, over 20 Nigerians reportedly lost their lives in physical altercations involving security personnel, criminal attacks or alleged extrajudicial actions,” it stated.
The group stated it was worried by the absence of charges, accountability or clear consequences in many cases, increasing dread, anxiety and mistrust in migrant communities, and noted that investigations were in progress in a number of events.
“It is important to stress that our position is not intended to undermine South Africa’s democratic institutions, law enforcement agencies or judicial system.
“South Africa is a constitutional democracy founded on the principles of human rights, equality, justice and the rule of law. “We also recognise that many South Africans still believe in peaceful coexistence and are opposed to xenophobia.
The community consequently called on the South African authorities to enhance efforts to protect the lives and rights of all people, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
It also urged the authorities to ensure full, transparent and independent investigations into all documented cases of violent attacks, deaths in detention and alleged extrajudicial killings.
The group also called on the South African government to take more action against xenophobic violence, vigilantism, mob justice and illegal activities by people or security officers.
It also accused the government of encouraging community discourse, social integration and public education to discourage prejudice, stereotyping and violence against foreign nationals.
The community also urged the South African government to ensure that no suspects were condemned without a fair inquiry and due process in terms with the Constitution and the rule of law.
“There is no society that can prosper where fear, mob justice or unlawful violence is normalised.
”The law is that everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a competent court of law. We genuinely think that South Africans and foreigners should be treated equally before the law.
“The Nigerian community remains committed to peace, lawful conduct, mutual respect and constructive engagement with South African authorities and communities towards building a safer and more united society for all,” the statement said.
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