Nigerian father of two killed in South Africa
The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) says Olatunde Olaleye, a 40-year-old father of two, has been killed by gunfire in South Africa.
NAN reported that NUSA said Olaleye, an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti, was killed on September 21 while working at Spanata Bar and Grills in Mamelodi, Pretoria.
Smart Nwobi, NUSA president-general, said in a statement on Thursday that Olaleye was a husband and father of two, adding that his death has devastated his family.
He said the union was concerned by reports that Olaleye was allegedly shot by a South African national after an argument over whether a drinking glass could be taken outside the bar.
According to him, reports also indicated that the suspect later returned to the premises and threatened the bar’s management, saying members of his crew would come back.
Nwobi called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olaleye’s death.
“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.”
He appealed to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, which comprises the consulate-general’s office and the high commission in Pretoria, to step up engagement with South African authorities.
Nwobi also urged the mission to use all available diplomatic channels to address the incident and safeguard Nigerians living in the country.
He expressed NUSA’s support for Olaleye’s wife, two children and the Nigerian community, while praying for the repose of his soul.
He restated the union’s demand for justice over the killing.
Olaleye’s death is the latest in a series of reported deaths involving Nigerians in the former apartheid country.
Last Wednesday, Ayodele Odularu, a Nigerian lecturer at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa, was found dead at her residence in the Eastern Cape province.
Gbadebo Odularu, the deceased’s brother, said she died on August 16 at the age of 51.
On September 12, the ministry of foreign affairs also announced that two Nigerians had been killed in xenophobic attacks against foreigners in the country.
In a statement, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the ministry’s spokesperson, said the two Nigerians, identified as Taiwo Fakunle and James Nwankwo, were killed in separate incidents on September 4 and 5.
