The Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) is following up on a Nigerian citizen’s tragic death in South Africa. Mr. Chukwunta Julius Friday, born on 13 March 1987, was violently attacked by several individuals suspected to be South Africans and Zimbabweans on December 7th, 2024, and subsequently died on December 10th, 2024, while receiving treatment at Tembisa Hospital.
Upon receiving notification of the incident, NUSA, headed by Prince Barr. Smart Nwobi, immediately mobilised its legal team under the direction of Barr. Anthonia Ndubuisi. Details of the incident are as below:
- Location of incident: Protea Estate (Sugarbush Village), Noordwyk
- Events leading to the fatality: According to statements from the deceased’s partner, the incident originated from a parking dispute with several South African residents in the same complex. The altercation escalated physically when the assailants struck the victim with bricks on his head, ultimately resulting in his death.
Lumka, the victim’s girlfriend, provided a detailed account of the events. She explained that on Saturday evening while returning from an outing with the deceased, they entered their residential complex (Protea Estate) and encountered a vehicle blocking their path to their apartment. The deceased signalled with his horn for the vehicle to move but received no response.
Following this, the deceased exited his vehicle and approached the driver’s window of the blocking vehicle, politely requesting them to relocate their car. As reported by Lumka, the driver refused, stating they would move only when they felt ready to do so. The deceased then reported the situation to the estate’s security personnel. While walking toward the security post, he was ambushed from behind by the driver of the blocking vehicle and several accomplices, leaving him incapacitated on the ground. No residents came forward to assist. Lumka stated that she pleaded with the security guard to contact emergency services or law enforcement, but her requests went unheeded.
She then contacted her father for assistance, and only upon his arrival was the victim transported to Tembisa Hospital, still showing signs of life. On 10/12/2024, Lumka received notification from Tembisa Hospital that Chukwunta Julius Friday had succumbed to his injuries, and his remains were transferred to the hospital’s mortuary. A murder investigation has been initiated with Midrand Police Services, registered under case number 262/12/2024, with Sergeant Mateta assigned as the lead investigator.
Initial findings by the NUSA legal team confirm that two suspects have been apprehended and are currently in custody. According to Detective-Commander Capt Mainkis and Sgt Meteta, additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses. The suspects are scheduled to appear before the court on Friday. Additional information regarding the case will be released tomorrow, Thursday, December 12th, 2024.
NUSA President Barr Smart Nwobi and Assistant Secretary-General Honorable Coker conducted site visits to both the crime scene and the police station, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased Nigerian national. NUSA representatives have recorded and presented preliminary investigation details regarding this tragic event to both the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria and the Nigeria Consulate General in Johannesburg.
Ambassador Ajayi Temitope, in his capacity as Acting High Commissioner, has committed that his office will closely follow the case and collaborate with NUSA and their legal team to ensure justice is served and help the grieving family find closure.
Nigerian citizen’s tragic death in South Africa has raised alarm. Data indicates 127 Nigerians lost their lives over three years, including 13 by South African law enforcement. In early 2019, 10 Nigerians were slain by civilians or police, revealing a troubling pattern of unlawful deaths. The president of NUSA also took the opportunity to urge the Nigerian community in South Africa to exercise caution and remain vigilant during this festive period.
