Nigeria condemns Randburg murder, highlighting safety fears for its nationals in South Africa
Gauteng police have opened a murder case following the fatal shooting of Nigerian national Emeka Clement Uzor during an anti-drug operation filmed for Sizok’Thola in Windsor East, Johannesburg.
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The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of Nigerian national Emeka Clement Uzor during a Sizok’Thola anti-drug operation in Randburg, saying the incident has “raised questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa”.
In a statement, the consulate said the report of the incident had caused “shock and pain” to Uzor’s family, the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in South Africa.
“The unfortunate incident has raised questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa,” the diplomatic mission said.
It added that no matter the allegations against an individual, there are legal processes to follow.
“All should be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take laws into their own hands. We condemn all forms of extra-judicial killings,” the statement read.
The consulate said it was encouraged by what it described as proactive investigations by South African authorities and said it had been assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. It appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue.
NUSA said Uzor was shot several times while seated inside his vehicle and expressed concern that the incident happened in the presence of a media production team filming the popular anti-drug television programme Sizok’Thola.
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that a murder case has been registered and that investigations are under way into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Public Order Policing officers were deployed after community members gathered at the scene.
The matter has drawn political attention after ActionSA confirmed that its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo — who is associated with the anti-crime show Sizok’Thola — was present during the operation when Uzor was shot.
ActionSA has defended the anti-drug campaign but acknowledged that police investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Dr Mgcini Tshwaku denied that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department had prior knowledge of or involvement in the operation, saying JMPD officers were only deployed after unrest was reported.
NUSA has urged the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and called on both the South African and Nigerian governments to engage diplomatically over the matter.
Police investigations continue.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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