The death toll of Nigerians killed in South Africa has continued to rise with another two being the latest victims in ongoing xenophobic attacks on foreigners in that country.
The latest victims were stabbed to death during xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg and Cape Town on April 5 and April 6, 2019, respectively.
The Assistant Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Odefa Ikele, confirmed the killings in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria from Johannesburg on Monday.
“The Nigerian community lost two citizens to gruesome murders over the weekend.
“Mr Bonny Iwuoha, 48, from Ihitte/Uboma in Imo state, was stabbed to death at about 11.45pm on April 6, 2019 in Johannesburg South.
“We gathered that his assailants followed him from 152 Hay Street Turffontein, and thereafter, stabbed and killed him in front of his gate at Turf Road, Turffontein.
“The killing was witnessed by Mr Izochukwu Nwokocha, also known as, Nwa Father,” he said.
He said that another Nigerian, Goziem Akpenyi, also lost his life in similar circumstance on April 5, 2019.
Akpenyi was allegedly stabbed to death by three unidentified coloured South African men after an argument.
The incident took place at Bellville Stadium parking lot in Cape Town at about 1pm on Friday, April 5, 2019.
“These latest killings make it four Nigerians who were shot dead in March. Three of the victims were murdered in Sunnyside, Pretoria and one in Balfour Park, Johannesburg,” he said.