After weeks of assault on Nigerians, which led to the destruction of property and severe injuries, aggrieved South Africans have finally killed two Nigerians.
While Martins Cobham, Nigerian high commissioner to South Africa, confirmed the death of a Nigerian mechanic identified as Razak Ajao, Ralph Nwachukwu, a Nigerian in South Africa, said another Nigerian was also killed on Thursday, the Cable reports.
Both incidents happened in Polokwane, Limpopo province.
“I can confirm that a Nigerian, Razak Ajao, an auto mechanic was killed and four others injured during a mob attack against foreigners in Polokwane, Limpopo Province of South Africa on Thursday,” Cobham said.
“The Nigerian mission has formally registered a protest to the South African ministry of foreign affairs on this sad incident.
“The ministry said they would get back to the mission and that is the situation we are now. The mission has also reported the attacks to the South African police.
“Meanwhile, the mission is meeting with officials of Nigeria Union on the incident to decide on the next line of action.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed.”
Cobham said two of the injured Nigerians had been treated and discharged while others were still receiving treatment in the hospital.
Meanwhile, Nwachukwu, who could not give the names of the victims, said the attack started when Nigerians living in that area were holding a meeting.
“They held a meeting on Tuesday and today (Thursday) was supposed to be a follow-up,” he said.
“It was at the peak of the meeting that the South African taxi drivers swooped on them.
“They accused Nigerians of peddling drugs and began to attack them with dangerous weapons that led to the death of two while many others were seriously injured.”
Nwachukwu said Nigerians, in a bid to register their complaint, went to a police station but the commander at the station drove them out instead of listening to them.
He alleged that the commander threatened to shoot them if they did not leave the station.