The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) says Olatunde
Olaleye, a 40-year-old father of two, has been shot dead in the country.
According to NAN, 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, in a statement on
Thursday, said Olaleye was a husband and father of two children, adding that
his death has left his family devastated.
He said the union is concerned by reports that Olaleye was
allegedly shot by a South African national following an argument over whether a
drinking glass should be taken outside the bar.
According to him, there were also reports that the suspect
returned to the premises to threaten the bar’s management, with a promise that
members of his crew would return.
Nwobi called for a thorough, transparent and impartial
investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“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 urged the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, comprising
the consulate-general’s office and the high commission in Pretoria, to
intensify engagement with the South African authorities.
Nwobi also implored the mission to explore all available
diplomatic channels to address the issue and protect Nigerians in the country.
He expressed NUSA’s solidarity with Olaleye’s wife, two
children and the Nigerian community, while praying for the repose of his soul.
He reiterated the union’s call for justice in the matter.
Olaleye’s killing is the latest in a string of reported
deaths of Nigerians in the former apartheid country.
Last Wednesday, Ayodele Odularu, a Nigerian lecturer at the
University of Fort Hare, 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 aged 51.
On September 12, the ministry of foreign affairs also said
two Nigerians were killed in xenophobic attacks against foreigners in the
country.
In a statement, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, the ministry’s
spokesperson, said both Nigerians, identified as Taiwo Fakunle and James
Nwankwo, were killed in separate incidents on September 4 and 5.
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