The targeted killings of Nigerians in South Africa have continued with the brutal murder of two businessmen, identified simply as Austin and Ayo, in Durban on Thursday, July 9.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victims were shot at close range around 8pm when three masked gunmen stormed Austin’s shop. The assailants opened fire without warning, killing both men on the spot. Austin was said to own a car and tyre business, and Ayo had reportedly come to visit him.
A friend of the deceased, who gave his name as Fidelis, told The Punch by phone that the attack happened in the presence of other customers who fled in panic. “They were just talking when the gunmen ran in, pointed their guns, and shot both of them immediately,” he said.
CCTV footage obtained by the newspaper shows the chilling moment the men were gunned down—Austin was shot point-blank, while Ayo was killed as he attempted to flee.
Efforts to save the victims proved futile, as doctors confirmed them dead on arrival at the hospital.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. In April, Taiwo Raji and Yemi Akinwunmi were shot dead outside their shops in Pretoria. Four days later, businessman Silas Ani was abducted in Johannesburg and remains missing. Earlier in the year, Julius Chukwunta died in a violent attack in Midrand, while Benjamin Okoli and Jeremiah Okoye died in police custody under suspicious circumstances.
Reacting to the killings, the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) demanded justice. Its president, Frank Onyekwelu, decried the release on bail of a suspected killer in one of the earlier cases, noting that justice had been elusive despite efforts to seek redress through legal channels.
The Nigerian government has also responded. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), confirmed that some arrests had been made but the assailants remained at large. NiDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, condemned the latest attack, calling it “senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.”
Dabiri-Erewa said the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa was investigating and called on South African authorities to act decisively. She also expressed concern over the failure to implement the early warning mechanisms agreed upon by both nations to prevent such attacks.
“We urge South African authorities to thoroughly investigate this matter and ensure the killers face justice,” she said, while also urging the Nigerian community to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it was too early to determine whether the attack was xenophobic. Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said the government is awaiting further details but assured that investigations are ongoing and the Nigerian mission in South Africa is closely monitoring developments.
