The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) has called for a full investigation into the death of 40-year-old Nigerian, Olatunde Olaleye, who was reportedly shot in Pretoria.
Olaleye, a native of Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, was killed on September 21 while working at Spanata Bar and Grills in Mamelodi, Pretoria.
NUSA President-General, Smart Nwobi, disclosed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to Nwobi, the deceased was married and had two children. He said the Nigerian killed in South Africa left behind a grieving family and a community demanding answers.
Dispute reportedly led to shooting
Nwobi said preliminary reports indicated that Olaleye was allegedly shot by a South African national after an argument over whether a drinking glass could be taken outside the bar.
He added that the alleged suspect reportedly returned to the establishment after the shooting and threatened its management.
The union leader said there were further reports that the suspect warned that other members of his group could return to the premises.
NUSA said the circumstances surrounding the Nigerian killed in South Africa must be properly established through a transparent investigation.
NUSA seeks diplomatic intervention
Nwobi appealed to the Nigerian diplomatic mission in South Africa, including the Consulate-General and High Commission in Pretoria, to engage the relevant South African authorities.
He urged the mission to use available diplomatic channels to pursue the case and strengthen efforts to protect Nigerians living and working in the country.
Nwobi also expressed sympathy to Olaleye’s wife, his two children and members of the Nigerian community affected by the incident.
He said the union remained committed to seeking justice for the deceased and called for the law to take its course.
The death has renewed concerns within the Nigerian community in South Africa over the safety of Nigerians living and working there.