JOHANNESBURG/South Africa: The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) has called for an independent investigation into the death of 34-year-old Christian Hilary Nnaemeka in Johannesburg, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident must be fully established.
Nnaemeka, from Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, reportedly died after an alleged attack around Willow and Filbert Streets in Primrose, Johannesburg, on Monday, September 21, 2026.
NUSA said the incident reportedly involved South African television personality Xolani Khumalo and members of his Sizokthola crew, but stressed the need for authorities to establish what happened and determine the responsibility of everyone connected with the incident.
The union’s position was contained in a statement signed by George O. Sylvester, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President-General of NUSA.
According to the statement, Nnaemeka was married and had a three-year-old son.
NUSA said its immediate concern was to obtain a clear account of the events that preceded his death, including the circumstances of the reported attack, the reason for it and the identities of those involved.
The union urged South African authorities to identify all persons connected with the incident and subject them to appropriate investigation.
It further asked authorities to establish whether the incident was connected to any authorised operation and to explain what measures were being taken to determine how Nnaemeka died.
NUSA said any person found to have acted unlawfully should be dealt with in accordance with the law, irrespective of the person’s position or affiliation.
While expressing support for legitimate efforts to combat crime and drug-related activities, the union stressed that allegations of criminal conduct should be handled through established legal procedures.
It said allegations of criminality should not be used to justify taking a person’s life, adding that due process must guide any action taken against suspects.
NUSA also said it would pursue the matter with relevant South African authorities while working with the Nigerian Mission, including the Consul-General’s Office and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.
The union called on Nigerian diplomatic authorities to intensify discussions with their South African counterparts and use available diplomatic channels to address the case and broader concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
NUSA said although Nnaemeka could not be brought back, establishing the facts surrounding his death remained important to his family and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.
The union noted that the deceased’s three-year-old son had been left without his father and said the circumstances of the death must not be left unresolved.
It pledged to continue engaging relevant authorities until questions surrounding Nnaemeka’s death are properly addressed.
