Two Nigerian nationals have been killed in South Africa, according to Nigeria's Foreign Ministry, amid heightened tensions between the two nations fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment.
One of the deceased, identified as James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, died on September 5 after what the ministry described as "gruesome interrogation techniques" by South African police in Cape Town. The ministry did not immediately name suspects or specify a motive in the September 4 killing of Taiwo Michael Fakunle, a bishop, at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg.
South African police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
"The killings raise questions about the safety of foreigners in the country and the commitment of the South African authorities to curbing targeted attacks against foreigners," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Oluwafemi Adeniyi. He further accused South African police of "exacerbating an already fragile situation."
South Africa has historically attracted migrants from across the African continent, including many Nigerians, drawn by its relative economic opportunities. However, foreigners have also been subjected to periodic xenophobic violence, with protesters often blaming them for high unemployment, crime, and strain on public services.
In response to the rising tensions and violence, Nigeria's parliament voted on Friday to indefinitely suspend official visits and engagements with South Africa.
This is not the first instance of deadly anti-migrant violence in South Africa. In June, two Nigerians were killed in similar incidents shortly before an unofficial deadline set by protesters for foreigners to leave the country. Nigeria reported that one of those individuals was allegedly killed by police, while the other was attacked by unidentified assailants.
Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, stated in July that at least 98 Nigerian citizens have been killed since 2022 through mob attacks, hate-motivated violence, and extrajudicial killings within South Africa.