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Two Nigerians Shot and Killed by Gunmen in South Africa

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 22nd, 2025.

Two Nigerians Shot and Killed by Gunmen in South Africa

Tragedy struck in Durban, South Africa, as two Nigerians, identified only as Austin and Ayo, were gunned down by unidentified assailants. The fatal shooting occurred on the evening of Thursday, July 9, at Austin’s business premises.

According to local sources, three armed men wearing masks stormed Austin’s office around 8 p.m. and opened fire on the victims without warning. Both men reportedly died on the spot.

Speaking to our correspondent, a friend of the deceased named Fidelis shared that Austin operated a vehicle and tyre business in Durban. Ayo had reportedly stopped by for a casual visit when the attack occurred.

“They were having a conversation at the shop when three masked men burst in and started shooting. There was no argument or confrontation—the attackers just fired at them immediately,” Fidelis recounted.

He added that a few customers present at the scene ran for safety upon sighting the gunmen. The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

A Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) clip obtained from a source in Nigeria showed Austin and Ayo chatting moments before the attack. The footage revealed that Austin was shot at close range, while Ayo was gunned down as he tried to flee.

While some speculate that the killings may be linked to a business dispute, the motive remains unconfirmed. Authorities are said to be investigating, but no suspects have been identified or apprehended at the time of reporting.

Efforts to reach Abdulrahman Balogun, spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), were unsuccessful, as phone calls went unanswered and text messages had not been replied to.

This incident is the latest in a troubling pattern of violence targeting Nigerians living in South Africa. Just in April, two Nigerians, Taiwo Raji and Yemi Akinwunmi, were shot and killed outside their shops in Arcadia, Pretoria. The suspect in that case was granted bail, prompting outrage from the Nigerian community.

NICASA (Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa) President, Frank Onyekwelu, has consistently called for stronger action to protect Nigerians in the country. He also revealed that Nigerian businessman Silas Ani was kidnapped in Johannesburg in April, and another Nigerian, Julius Chukwunta, was killed in Midrand in December 2024.

Onyekwelu described the wave of attacks as deeply alarming and urged both Nigerian and South African authorities to take urgent steps to ensure justice and the safety of Nigerian citizens living abroad.