Xenophobia: Two Nigerians hacked to death in South Africa

Two Nigerians have been stabbed to death in South Africa, according to latest reports.

Goziem Akpenyi and Bonny Iwuoha, were killed in the wake of a newly awakened xenophobic attack in Johannesburg and Cape Town on Friday and Saturday.

The murders were confirmed by Odefa Ikele, assistant public relations officer, Nigeria Union in South Africa (NUSA), saying the killings had been reported and a murder case already opened at Booysens police station in Johannesburg South.

“The Nigerian community lost two citizens to gruesome murders over the weekend,” Ikele said.

“Mr Bonny Iwuoha, 48, from Ihitte/Uboma in Imo state, was stabbed to death at about 11:45 pm on April 6, 2019 in Johannesburg South.

“We gathered that his assailants followed him from 152 Hay Street Turffontein, and thereafter, stabbed and killed him in front of his gate at Turf Road, Turffontein.

“The killing was witnessed by Izochukwu Nwokocha, also known as, Nwa Father.

“Akpenyi was allegedly stabbed to death by three unknown coloured South African men after an argument with the deceased.

“The incident took place at Bellville Stadium parking lot in Cape Town at about 1 pm on Friday, April 5, 2019.

“These latest killings adds to four other Nigerians who were shot dead in March. Three of the victims were murdered in Sunnyside, Pretoria and one in Balfour Park, Johannesburg.

“We call on the Nigerian government to impress on their South African counterpart that the killings have to be investigated and the culprits prosecuted.”

These two deaths bring to 120, the number of Nigerians murdered in South Africa since 2016.