The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) has called for an independent investigation into the death of 34-year-old Nigerian, Christian Hilary Nnaemeka, who allegedly died following an attack involving television personality Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizokthola crew in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The union said the incident occurred at about 8pm on Monday around Willow and Filbert Streets in Primrose, Johannesburg.
In a statement issued by George O. Sylvester, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President-General of NUSA, the union demanded that South African authorities establish the circumstances that led to Nnaemeka’s death and identify everyone involved.
Nnaemeka, according to the union, was from Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State. He was also a husband and father of a three-year-old boy.
NUSA said it was particularly concerned about what happened during the alleged attack, the reason for the assault and the identities of those responsible.
The union called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation, stressing that no individual should be shielded from scrutiny because of their position, influence or affiliation.
“We therefore demand an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Christian Hilary Nnaemeka’s death,” NUSA said.
The organisation further asked authorities to determine whether the incident occurred in the course of an authorised operation and to disclose the measures being taken to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death.
NUSA said all persons connected to the incident should be identified and properly investigated, adding that anyone found to have acted unlawfully should face the appropriate legal consequences.
It also called on the Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa to step up its engagement with the country’s authorities and use available diplomatic channels to address the matter and strengthen the protection of Nigerians in South Africa.
The union said it supported legitimate efforts to combat crime and drug-related activities but insisted that such operations must respect due process.
“No allegation of criminality should become a licence to take a human life,” the statement said.
NUSA said it would engage relevant South African authorities and work with the Nigerian Mission, including the Consul-General’s Office and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to pursue the matter.
The union expressed concern over the impact of Nnaemeka’s death on his family, particularly his three-year-old son, and stressed the need for the truth to be established.
It added that concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa had been raised previously, but insisted that the latest incident required a clear response from the authorities.
NUSA said it would continue to pursue answers, accountability and justice for Nnaemeka and his family.
