Nigerian union outraged over 'assassination-style' killing during anti-drug operation in Joburg
ActionSA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate, Xolani Khumalo, was present when his security team shot a Nigerian man during the filming of the TV show Sizok'Thola an anti-drug operation in Johannesburg.
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The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has expressed outrage over the recent fatal shooting of Emeka Clement Uzor, a Nigerian national, in Johannesburg, labelling the act as “brutal” and akin to an “assassination-style” execution.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday afternoon at a garage in Windsor East, Randburg, has ignited calls for accountability and a thorough investigation by local authorities.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, a murder case has been officially registered, and investigations are currently underway to uncover the details surrounding Uzor’s tragic death.
“A murder case has been opened and investigations are ongoing,” Sibeko confirmed, highlighting the probe will scrutinise the circumstances of the shooting, including the sequence of events leading up to it and the roles of individuals present at the scene.
Gauteng police have opened a murder case following the fatal shooting of Nigerian national Emeka Clement Uzor during an anti-drug operation filmed for Sizok’Thola in Windsor East, Johannesburg.
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Police have confirmed that the shooting occurred during the filming of an anti-drug operation linked to the television programme Sizok’Thola, and that public order police were later deployed after community members gathered at the scene.
NUSA said it was deeply disturbed that the killing occurred in the presence of a media production team and alleged that the incident reflects a broader pattern of violence against Nigerian nationals in South Africa. The organisation called on the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and to ensure that all those responsible are held accountable.
ActionSA has since confirmed that its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo — who is also associated with Sizok’Thola — was present during the operation when the fatal shooting occurred. The party has defended the anti-drug campaign while acknowledging that police investigations are under way.
Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Dr Mgcini Tshwaku has denied that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) had any prior knowledge of or involvement in the operation, saying JMPD officers were only deployed as backup following reports of unrest and did not participate in the raid.
NUSA has further called on both the South African and Nigerian governments to engage diplomatically, warning that extrajudicial killings undermine the rule of law and urging calm within the Nigerian community as police investigations continue.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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