Nigerian union demands probe into death in South Africa

Abimbola Joseph

The Nigerian Union in South Africa has demanded an independent investigation into the death of 34-year-old Nigerian Christian Hilary Nnaemeka following an alleged attack involving television personality Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizokthola crew in Johannesburg.

NUSA said Nnaemeka was allegedly attacked at about 8 pm on Monday around Willow and Filbert Streets, Primrose, Johannesburg.

In a statement signed by its Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President-General, George O. Sylvester, the union said Nnaemeka hailed from Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

It said the deceased was married and had a three-year-old son.

NUSA said it was seeking answers over the circumstances surrounding his death, including what happened, why he was allegedly attacked and who was responsible.

“We therefore demand an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Christian Hilary Nnaemeka’s death,” the union said.

The organisation called on South African authorities to identify and investigate everyone connected with the incident, adding that anyone found to have acted unlawfully should face the law, regardless of position or influence.

NUSA also demanded clarification on whether the incident occurred during an authorised operation and what steps the authorities were taking to establish the circumstances of Nnaemeka’s death.

“What happened to Christian? Why was he attacked? Who was responsible? Was the incident part of an authorised operation, and what steps are the authorities taking to ensure justice?” the union asked.

The union said it would engage relevant South African authorities and work with the Nigerian diplomatic mission, including the Consul-General’s Office and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, to pursue the matter.

It also urged Nigerian diplomats to intensify engagement with South African authorities and use available diplomatic channels to protect Nigerians living in the country.

While supporting lawful efforts to combat crime and drug-related offences, NUSA said allegations of criminality must be handled through due process.

“No allegation of criminality should become a licence to take a human life,” it said.

The union said Nnaemeka’s death had left his young son without a father and called for the circumstances surrounding the incident to be fully established.

NUSA said it would continue to demand answers and accountability for Nnaemeka and his family.