South African politician and television personality Xolani Khumalo has been linked to the killing of Nigerian Emeka Uzor who was shot dead during a drug raid in Windsor East, Randburg, Johannesburg.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) and the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) have condemned the killing and demanded a full investigation into the incident, which happened on Sunday.
Mr Uzor, who was from Enugu State, was reportedly shot at about 3pm at a Caltex garage in Windsor East while inside his vehicle.
NICASA, in a statement signed by its president Frank Onyekwelu described the killing as a violation of human rights and a loss to the Nigerian community in South Africa.
Mr Onyekwelu said the association condemned the incident and called for justice.
“We demand a full, transparent, and impartial investigation, and we will pursue all diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure that justice is served.
“NICASA calls on the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the matter and ensure accountability in line with the rule of law,” he said.
He urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while discussions continue with the Nigerian Consulate, South African authorities and human rights institutions.
Onyekwelu also expressed condolences to the victim’s family and reassured Nigerians in South Africa of the association’s commitment to protecting their rights and safety.
NUSA, the umbrella body of Nigerians in South Africa, also reacted to the killing in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its president Smart Nwobi and national publicity secretary Akindele Olunloyo.
The union said Uzor was from Nkerefi in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State and described the incident as part of a troubling pattern of violence against Nigerians in South Africa.
NUSA called on South African authorities to investigate the matter and ensure anyone found responsible is prosecuted.
It also urged the Nigerian government to engage diplomatically through the Nigerian mission in South Africa.
“NUSA equally calls on the Nigerian government through the offices of our Consul General and the High Commissioner to actively engage diplomatically with their South African counterparts,” the union said.
NUSA also asked the Nigerian mission to work closely with the union in addressing issues through legal and diplomatic means.
Meanwhile, South African political party ActionSA has confirmed that its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khumalo was present during the fatal shooting.
The party said police have opened an investigation into the death of the 45-year-old man.
Reports in South Africa stated that the incident happened during the filming of Sizok’thola, a drug-busting programme aired on Moja Love and presented by Khumalo.
In a statement on Monday, ActionSA claimed the Nigerian national had been identified as being involved in drug trafficking.
“For too long, drug syndicates have terrorised our communities through violence, intimidation and total disregard for the law. ActionSA will continue to support every decisive and lawful measure to dismantle this scourge and confront the violent resistance of criminals who have grown comfortable believing they are untouchable,” the party said.
Opposition parties and civil society groups have questioned Khumalo’s involvement in the operation, saying the incident raises concerns about vigilantism and the role of civilians in law enforcement.
They also argued that the allegation against the deceased was not tested in court, raising concerns about due process.
Khumalo has previously faced legal issues. Last month, he appeared at the Palm Ridge magistrate’s court on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and pointing a firearm. He was granted R2,000 bail.
