Two more Nigerians killed in South Africa as assassins gun down duo in Western Cape Province

TWO more Nigerians have been killed in South Africa shot dead in the Western Cape Province as the recent xenophobic attacks against foreigners in the country shows no sign of abating.

Over the last year, South Africans have suffered from a fall in living standards and have taken their anger out on fellow African migrants. Dozens of Nigerians have been killed alongside fellow Africans, sparking calls for the Nigerian government to ask all South African businesses to leave the country.

Mike Ibitoye, the chairman of the Nigeria Union in South Africa, said: “Mr Ernest Ughakwesili, 42, a native of Nkpor, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, was shot in a night club by gunmen at Strand Area of Cape Town last Sunday. The assailants escaped after the shooting and the victim died before being rushed to the hospital.”

"The second victim, Chimezie Oranusi, 26, from Oba town in Anambra State, was shot with a friend in a car at Delst area of Cape Town. The friend is a South African and is still in the hospital receiving treatment.”

He added that the incidents have been reported to the police and the national secretariat of the union. According to Mr Ibitoye, the motive behind the shootings has not been ascertained but he added that the police had commenced investigations into both incidents.

Adetola Olubajo, secretary of the union, added:  “We have received a report about the killing of two Nigerians in Cape Town, Western Cape Province of South Africa. The union’s chapter in the province is handling the matter while the national body has reported the incident to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa.

“We urge Nigerians in South Africa to remain law abiding. We also appeal to the federal government to continue to protect the welfare of our people here.”