Angry Nigerians in South Africa, under the aegis of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), have condemned the killing of Bishop Taiwo Fakunle, aged 58, in Johannesburg and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
NICASA National President, Frank Onyekwelu, said this in a statement on Thursday, September 10, adding that Fakunle from Ekiti State was killed on Friday, September 4 at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg.
He said two assailants gained access to the residence and opened fire on the bishop, who was said to have been shot more than seven times.
Onyekwelu said NICASA had notified the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg about the incident, adding that a murder case had been opened at the Jeppe Police Station and that investigations were ongoing.
NICASA urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and credible investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The association called for the identification and arrest of those responsible and their prosecution in accordance with the law.
It also urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to maintain engagement with the relevant authorities and monitor the investigation to ensure that justice was served.
NICASA expressed concern over the loss of Nigerian lives to violent crime in South Africa, saying such incidents should not be allowed to become normalised.
The association appealed to Nigerians and community leaders across South Africa to remain calm and law abiding, stressing that justice should be pursued through lawful channels.
NICASA expressed condolences to the Fakunle’s family, friends, church community, fellow Ekiti indigenes and the Nigerian community in South Africa.
