The Nigerian community in South Africa is reeling from the tragic murder of Julius Chukwunta, a 37-year-old Nigerian man who was brutally beaten to death by four South Africans. The incident occurred on December 7, 2024, in Midrand Protea Estate, where Chukwunta was attacked while driving to his residence. According to the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), Chukwunta was blocked by the assailants and, after seeking help at the estate’s security office, was left severely injured with a head wound. Despite his female companion’s efforts to get assistance, neither the security office nor the residents called for help. Chukwunta was eventually taken to Tembisa General Hospital by his partner’s family, where he succumbed to his injuries on December 10, 2024.
The case has sparked outrage within the Nigerian community and beyond. NICASA President-General Dr. Frank Onyekwelu expressed deep disappointment at the handling of the case, particularly the decision to grant bail to three of the four suspects. The suspects, aged between 20 and 28, were charged with murder and appeared in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024. The court proceedings on December 18, 2024, saw three suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth suspect had not yet applied for bail. The case has been adjourned to February 3, 2025.
Dr. Onyekwelu vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family. He emphasized that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was upheld in South Africa. This tragic incident has highlighted the ongoing issues of violence and discrimination faced by Nigerians in South Africa, prompting calls for stronger measures to protect foreign nationals and ensure justice is served.
