South Africa has asked Nigeria to provide evidence supporting its claims that two Nigerian citizens were killed during a recent wave of anti-migrant violence, as diplomatic tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.
The request follows a statement from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning the deaths of Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, popularly known as “Big Joe.” Abuja warned that it could pursue diplomatic action if attacks on Nigerians in South Africa persist, while accusing South African authorities of failing to adequately protect foreign nationals.
According to the Nigerian government, Iroegbu died during what it described as a “gruesome interrogation” by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Pretoria on June 28. The ministry also said Joe was fatally shot by unidentified attackers outside his shop in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, on the same day.
Nigeria expressed concern over what it called a recurring pattern of violence against Nigerians and other African migrants, urging Pretoria to fulfill its international obligations to protect foreign nationals. Despite its criticism, Abuja appealed to Nigerians not to retaliate against South African businesses or citizens, saying it would continue to pursue diplomatic engagement while assisting citizens seeking voluntary repatriation.
In response, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) called on Nigeria to submit any evidence through official diplomatic channels rather than making public allegations. The department said any credible information would be reviewed by the appropriate authorities.
The South African Police Service also disputed Nigeria’s account of Iroegbu’s death, stating that he collapsed while being arrested during a drug-related operation in Pretoria, where officers allegedly recovered narcotics. Police said paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene and maintained that the incident was unrelated to recent anti-migrant protests.
Authorities added that the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which has launched an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The diplomatic exchange comes amid renewed anti-migrant protests in South Africa, where demonstrators have blamed undocumented migrants for crime, unemployment and pressure on public services. Although many protests have remained peaceful, some have turned violent, with attacks on foreign nationals and damage to foreign-owned businesses.
The latest developments have reignited concerns over xenophobic violence and its impact on relations between Africa’s two largest economies. As investigations continue, both governments are expected to remain engaged through diplomatic channels while seeking to establish the facts surrounding the reported deaths.#newsafro_
