Nigerian union in SA demands justice as Gauteng police probe fatal Sizok’Thola shooting
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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The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has condemned the fatal shooting of a Nigerian national in Johannesburg, calling for accountability and a transparent investigation as Gauteng police confirmed that a murder case has been registered.
In a statement issued on Monday, NUSA said Emeka Clement Uzor was shot multiple times while seated in his vehicle at a garage in Windsor East, Randburg, on Sunday afternoon, describing the killing as “brutal” and “assassination-style”.
IOL has recently reported that Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that police were investigating the incident and that a murder docket had been opened.
“A murder case has been opened and investigations are ongoing,” Sibeko said, adding that police were probing the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the events leading up to it and the roles of those present at the scene.
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.
Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, was present when his security team shot a Nigerian man during an anti-drug operation in Johannesburg.
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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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