The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) has confirmed the killing of Olatunde Olaleye, a 40-year-old Nigerian father of two, in South Africa.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Olaleye, an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti, was shot dead on September 21 while working at Spanata Bar and Grills in Mamelodi, Pretoria.
Smart Nwobi, NUSA president-general, said Olaleye’s death had devastated his wife and two children. He said reports indicated that a South African national allegedly shot Olaleye after an argument over whether a drinking glass could be taken outside the bar.
Nwobi added that the suspect reportedly returned later and threatened the bar’s management, saying members of his crew would come back.
“We cannot continue to lose Nigerians under circumstances that leave families devastated, and communities traumatised,” he said.
“We call for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olaleye’s death and for the law to take its proper course.”
Nwobi urged the Nigerian Mission in South Africa to engage authorities and use all diplomatic channels to protect Nigerians.
He also expressed solidarity with Olaleye’s family and the Nigerian community.
The killing comes after other reported deaths of Nigerians in South Africa, including Christian Nnaemeka, Ayodele Odularu, Taiwo Fakunle and James Nwankwo.
