The Nigerian Consulate-General in Johannesburg has confirmed the deaths of three Nigerian nationals in South Africa within a period of four days, raising fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians living and working in the country.
The consulate disclosed the development while expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding the deaths and calling for calm as investigations by South African authorities continue.
According to the consulate, the incidents occurred in different locations and involved Nigerian nationals who were reportedly victims of separate violent incidents. The authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding each death and determine whether the incidents were connected.
The consulate said it was engaging relevant South African authorities to obtain more information and ensure that the cases receive appropriate attention.
It also urged members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain vigilant, avoid potentially dangerous situations and report security concerns to the appropriate authorities.
The latest incidents have renewed concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, where the Nigerian diplomatic mission has previously intervened in cases involving violent crime, disputes and other emergencies affecting Nigerian nationals.
The consulate urged Nigerians living in the country to remain law-abiding and to cooperate with South African law enforcement agencies during investigations.
It also appealed to anyone with credible information that could assist investigators to come forward and provide such information to the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the three deaths remain under investigation. The Nigerian diplomatic mission is expected to continue liaising with South African authorities and the families of the deceased as efforts are made to establish the facts of each case.
The development comes amid longstanding concerns over the welfare and security of Nigerians residing in South Africa. Nigerian diplomatic officials have continued to engage their South African counterparts on issues affecting the Nigerian community, including security, immigration and consular matters.
The consulate said it would continue to monitor the investigations and provide further updates where necessary.
It urged Nigerians in South Africa to exercise caution and promptly contact the relevant authorities whenever they face threats to their safety.
The identities of the deceased and further details about the circumstances of their deaths were not included in the initial statement, while investigations by South African authorities are ongoing.
Make the report shorter and tighterRemove repeated consulate statements