The Nigerian community in South Africa is demanding justice following the fatal shooting of two of its members, Taiwo Raji and Yemi Akinwunmi, by a South African national in Pretoria.
The victims were killed on April 20, 2025, in front of their shops on Church Street, Arcadia, according to a statement from the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA). The association’s president, Frank Onyekwelu, revealed that the alleged killer was granted bail by a South African court and is currently at large.
Onyekwelu voiced the community’s frustration, saying, “The suspect was released on bail and may now be difficult to trace. Raji and Akinwunmi leave behind two South African wives and six children.”
Babatunde Dosumu, cousin to the late Raji, told our correspondent that the suspected shooter, identified as Kosina Titanbo, was retaliating over a stolen phone. “He claimed his phone was stolen in the market and, driven by racial bias, opened fire on them,” Dosumu said.
More Violence Reported
In a separate incident, Onyekwelu reported that Nigerian businessman Silas Ani was abducted from his home in Springs, Johannesburg, on April 24, along with several others. The alleged kidnapper, identified as Xolani Khumalo, reportedly subjected the victims to severe abuse.
“Many of them were beaten, flogged, and left lying on the floor. Some were released after sustaining injuries, but Mr. Ani remains missing,” Onyekwelu said.
NICASA has engaged the law firm Tony Okorie Attorneys to pursue legal action at the Johannesburg High Court. However, the case was recently postponed pending review by a senior judge.
Onyekwelu called on the Nigerian government to intervene, confirming that both the Nigerian High Commission and consulate in South Africa have been notified.
