The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) on Thursday September 24, revealed that Olatunde Olaleye, a 40-year-old married father of two, was shot dead in the country.
Olaleye, an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti, was killed on September 21 while working at Spanata Bar and Grills in Mamelodi, Pretoria.
Smart Nwobi, NUSA president-general, in a statement said Olaleye’s death has left his family devastated.
He said the union is concerned by reports that Olaleye was allegedly shot by a South African national following an argument over whether a drinking glass should be taken outside the bar.
According to him, there were also reports that the suspect returned to the premises to threaten the bar’s management, with a promise that members of his crew would return.
Nwobi called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We cannot continue to lose Nigerians under circumstances that leave families devastated and communities traumatised,” he said.
“We call for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olaleye’s death and for the law to take its proper course.”
He urged the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, comprising the consulate-general’s office and the high commission in Pretoria, to intensify engagement with the South African authorities.
Nwobi also implored the mission to explore all available diplomatic channels to address the issue and protect Nigerians in the country. He expressed NUSA’s solidarity with Olaleye’s wife, two children and the Nigerian community, while praying for the repose of his soul. He reiterated the union’s call for justice in the matter.
Olaleye’s killing is the latest in a string of reported deaths of Nigerians in the former apartheid country.
Last Wednesday, Ayodele Odularu, a Nigerian lecturer at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, was found dead at her residence in the Eastern Cape province.
On September 12, the ministry of foreign affairs also said two Nigerians were killed in xenophobic attacks against foreigners in the country.
In a statement, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the ministry’s spokesperson, said both Nigerians, identified as Taiwo Fakunle and James Nwankwo, were killed in separate incidents on September 4 and 5.
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