105 Nigerians killed in South Africa since 2019, Community

The Nigerian community in South Africa has issued a stark report, stating that at least 105 Nigerians have lost their lives in the country over the past seven years, a grim toll attributed to a persistent wave of xenophobic attacks against migrants. This assertion directly challenges a recent report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation, which, citing the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, claimed that migrants were not being killed in South Africa.

Leaders of the Nigerian Union South Africa and the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, Smart Nwobi and Frank Onyekwelu, jointly signed a statement emphasizing the dangers of downplaying these concerns. They warned that denying or minimizing the issues faced by migrant communities risks deterring victims and witnesses from coming forward, thereby undermining efforts toward justice, reconciliation, and social cohesion.

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Denying or minimising the concerns raised by migrant communities risks discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting abuses and undermines efforts toward justice, reconciliation, and social cohesion.

The statement detailed a history of fatal xenophobic incidents targeting migrants, particularly Nigerians. These incidents include alleged extrajudicial killings, mob attacks, vigilante violence, shootings, and the unlawful use of force by security personnel. While acknowledging the need for responsible public communication, the community stressed the importance of revealing the harsh realities experienced by Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

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According to records gathered from community reports, civil society engagements, media publications, and documented incidents within migrant communities, there have been numerous cases involving the deaths of Nigerians in South Africa under troubling and unresolved circumstances from 2019 till date.

According to community records, civil society engagements, and media reports, numerous Nigerians have died in South Africa under troubling and unresolved circumstances since 2019. The figures provided are alarming: in 2019, mob violence during xenophobic unrest in Johannesburg led to about 12 deaths. In 2022, over 17 Nigerians reportedly died from violent attacks, vigilante-style executions, and alleged brutality by security forces. The following year, 2023, saw more than 40 Nigerians reported dead in incidents involving mob violence, alleged police misconduct, and violent encounters. The grim trend continued into 2024 and 2025, with eight deaths reported in each year under tragic circumstances, including shootings and deaths in police custody. Most recently, from January 2026 to date, over 20 Nigerians have reportedly died in physical encounters with security personnel, criminal attacks, or suspected extrajudicial actions.

Despite acknowledging ongoing investigations into several incidents, the Nigerian community expressed deep concern over the apparent lack of prosecutions, accountability, and transparent outcomes. This perceived impunity fuels fear, anxiety, and mistrust within migrant communities, leaving many feeling vulnerable and without recourse.

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It is important to emphasise that our position is not intended to undermine South Africa’s