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The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has condemned the recent attacks, looting, and burning of Nigerian-owned businesses and churches in South Africa, arising from ongoing Afrophobic and xenophobic violence against foreigners in the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the consulate said several Nigerian businesses have been forced to close, with investments badly affected by continuous looting and destruction of properties.
On 20 May 2026, a Nigerian-owned automated car wash in Qonce was attacked by anti-foreigner demonstrators who demanded the business be closed, despite the fact that the business legally employs over 14 South African workers, the statement said.
On the same day, a Nigerian church, First Christ Feet Ministries in Durban, was attacked by a xenophobic mob, leading to destruction of the church and the looting of instruments worth millions of rands. The attackers also looted a shop belonging to the same pastor and demanded the church be closed, in line with earlier declarations that Nigerian churches were among their targets. The attackers returned on 7 June 2026 and set the church on fire.
On 3 June 2026, another Nigerian church, Freedom Embassies Ministries International in Johannesburg, was attacked and looted, with equipment and other items worth millions of rands carted away.
On 5 July 2026, a Nigerian-owned mechanic workshop and spare parts yard in Jules, Johannesburg, was set ablaze, leading to the destruction of all cars and properties within the vicinity, the consulate said.
“The foregoing damages suffered by Nigerians and other black African migrants, as well as other inciteful and unchecked violent acts of destruction, physical and psychological harm, as well as killings, remain completely unconscionable and most unacceptable,” the statement said.
The situation continues to threaten the safety and well-being of Nigerians and other Africans, as well as their properties and investments in South Africa, the consulate said.
“Consequently, the Consulate General and the High Commission continue to call on the relevant South African authorities, demanding thorough investigations and swift justice against all perpetrators. This is due to the fact that under international law, the host government is statutorily responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all foreign residents and their properties.”
The Consulate General and the High Commission continue to call on the relevant South African authorities to conduct thorough investigations and ensure swift justice for all perpetrators, noting that under international law, the host government is statutorily responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all foreign residents and their property.
At least four Nigerians have been killed in the recent wave of violence, including Emeka Iroegbu, tortured to death by Tshwane Metro Police officers in Sunnyside, Pretoria, and Musa Joe, killed by suspected criminals in Witbank, Mpumalanga province, according to the consulate.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide all necessary support to our nationals, as we advise them to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious,” the consulate said.
