The federal government, through the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of Nigerian national Emeka Clement Uzor during a Sizok’Thola anti-drug operation in Randburg, saying the incident has “raised questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.”
Uzor was reportedly shot multiple times while seated in his vehicle at a garage in Windsor East on Sunday afternoon.
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In a statement, the consulate said news of the incident had caused “shock and pain” to Uzor’s family, the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in South Africa.
“The unfortunate incident has raised questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.
“All should be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take laws into their own hands. We condemn all forms of extra-judicial killings,” the statement read.
The consulate said it was encouraged by what it described as proactive investigations by South African authorities and added that it had been assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
It appealed to Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue.
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) had earlier demanded justice, describing Uzor’s killing as “brutal” and “assassination-style”.
NUSA said Uzor was shot several times while seated inside his vehicle and expressed concern that the incident occurred in the presence of a media production team filming the anti-drug television programme Sizok’Thola.
Tintswalo Sibeko, Gauteng police spokesperson, confirmed that a murder case has been registered and that investigations are under way.
Public Order Policing officers were deployed after community members gathered at the scene.
The incident has also drawn political attention after ActionSA confirmed that its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo — associated with the anti-crime show Sizok’Thola — was present during the operation when Uzor was shot.
ActionSA defended the anti-drug campaign but acknowledged that police investigations are ongoing.