A shocking act of violence has claimed the life of a Nigerian man, Julius Chukwunta, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The tragic incident unfolded on December 7, 2024, when Chukwunta returned home from work with his South African partner, Miss Lumka. As they entered their residential complex in Midrand, they encountered a vehicle blocking the entrance. Chukwunta asked the men in the car to move, but they refused, sparking a heated exchange.
Frustrated but determined to resolve the issue, Chukwunta walked to the estate’s security post to file a complaint. However, the men followed him and attacked him brutally. Witnesses reported that the attackers used a brick to hit him on the head, causing severe injuries. Despite Lumka’s desperate attempts to get help, bystanders ignored her cries. After nearly an hour, she contacted her father, who rushed to the scene. They managed to take Chukwunta to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries three days later, on December 10.
Police acted swiftly, using surveillance footage to identify and arrest the four suspects. However, the decision to grant bail to three of the accused has outraged the Nigerian community in South Africa. The fourth suspect has not yet applied for bail but is expected to do so in the coming weeks.
Frank Onyewekelu, the President of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has expressed deep disappointment with the legal process. He believes the suspects pose a flight risk, especially since three of them hold Zimbabwean nationality alongside South African residency. Onyewekelu criticized the prosecution for not strongly opposing bail and highlighted the potential danger of the suspects fleeing to Zimbabwe, which could jeopardize the case.
“This is not just about Julius,” Onyewekelu stated. “We have lost between 15 and 20 Nigerians in similar circumstances over the past year. Some died at the hands of civilians, while others perished in police custody. These deaths are avoidable, and we need both South African and Nigerian authorities to act decisively.”
This incident has once again drawn attention to the xenophobic violence that plagues South Africa. While xenophobia affects many foreign nationals, Nigerians often find themselves at the center of these attacks. Claims that Nigerians take jobs or marry South African women are frequently cited as reasons for the hostility. However, Onyewekelu dismissed these claims as unfounded.
“Most Nigerians here are entrepreneurs,” he explained. “They create jobs, run businesses, and contribute to the local economy. The notion that we are taking jobs is a baseless excuse from those unwilling to work hard.”
In the aftermath of Chukwunta’s death, NICASA has ramped up efforts to educate Nigerians in South Africa about compliance with local laws, proper documentation, and safety precautions. Meanwhile, Onyewekelu has urged the Nigerian government to intervene at a diplomatic level, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger protection of its citizens abroad.
The Nigerian community is now rallying behind Chukwunta’s family, demanding justice as the court prepares to reconvene in February 2025. This case is more than just a legal battle; it has become a symbol of the struggle for safety and equality for Nigerians living in South Africa.
