Nigeria has accused South Africa of failing to protect foreign nationals after two Nigerian citizens were killed amid rising anti-migrant sentiment.
Both victims — Emeka Iroegbu and Musa Joe — died on 28 June in separate incidents, according to Nigeria’s foreign ministry. The ministry says Iroegbu was allegedly killed by members of the Tshwane Metro Police, while Joe was fatally attacked outside his shop in eMalahleni.
Abuja has demanded accountability and condemned remarks by South African minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni that linked Nigerians to drug crime, labeling the comments “hate speech.” The government warned it could pursue regional or international action if attacks and hostility against foreign nationals persist. The tensions follow deadlines issued by some anti-migrant groups in South Africa that told undocumented foreigners to leave by 30 June.
