Two Nigerians shot dead in South Africa, death toll rises to 118

The death toll of Nigerians killed in South Africa has continued to climb with two young Nigerians being the latest victims.

NAN reports that the latest killing brings the number of Nigerians killed in the former apartheid enclave since February 2016 to 118.


Up to 800,000 Nigerians, mostly young people, reside in South Africa, according to unofficial estimates.

The Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Habib Miller, confirmed that two additional Nigerians were killed in South Africa in the past eight days.

Miller, who spoke from Pretoria, South Africa, identified the latest victims as Francis Ochuba, a native of Ngodo community in the Umnneochi Local Government Area of Abia.

He named the other victim as Chidi Ibebuike, a native of Uturu in the Isikwuato Local Government Area also in Abia.


“Ochuba, a property owner, was shot dead alongside his estate agent, a female South African on May 5. They were shot dead as they visited the tenant occupying Ochuba’s house to collect rent.

“The incident occurred in Central Johannesburg, while Ibebuike was shot dead at the entrance to his house at Hazyview in Mpumalanga on May 13.

“Ibebuike’s car was subsequently, snatched by yet to be identified gunmen.

“The chairman of the Nigeria Union in Mpumalanga Province, Mr Amadi in company of other compatriots, have reported the incident to the South African police authorities and investigation is underway.”