Midrand, South Africa – The Nigerian community in South Africa is in mourning and outrage following the brutal murder of a 37-year-old Nigerian man, Julius Chukwunta, who was allegedly beaten to death by four South Africans inside an estate security office.
The incident, which occurred on December 7, 2024, has drawn widespread condemnation from the **Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA)**. According to the association, Chukwunta, originally from Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, was attacked as he drove to his residence at Midrand Protea Estate.
NICASA President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, revealed that Chukwunta was blocked by the assailants as he approached his home. After an initial confrontation, Chukwunta sought refuge at the estate’s security office. However, the attackers allegedly followed him there and inflicted severe injuries, including a fatal head wound.
Chukwunta’s female companion, who witnessed the attack, ran to the security office but found him bleeding on the ground. Despite her pleas for assistance, neither the estate’s security personnel nor residents intervened to call the police or ambulance.
After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner managed to contact her family, who rushed him to **Tembisa General Hospital**. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries on December 10, 2024, after being placed on life support.
The case was reported to the Midrand Police Station and registered under file number 262/12/2024. Four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested and charged with murder.
During a court session at the Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, three of the suspects were granted bail of R10,000 each. The fourth suspect has yet to apply for bail. The case has been adjourned to February 3, 2025.
Dr. Onyekwelu expressed disappointment at the granting of bail to the suspects, describing it as a failure of the justice system. He vowed that the Nigerian community in South Africa would continue to push for justice and support Chukwunta’s family.
“We will not rest until justice is served. The value of Nigerian lives must be upheld in South Africa,” Onyekwelu stated.
The tragic incident has reignited concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa and the alleged indifference of some local authorities in protecting foreign nationals. NICASA has called on South African authorities to ensure a thorough and fair investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Chukwunta’s death adds to a growing list of violent incidents involving Nigerians in South Africa, raising fears and tensions within the Nigerian diaspora.
As the case unfolds, Nigerians at home and abroad are watching closely, demanding accountability and an end to such senseless acts of violence.
