Nigerian Community Demands Justice For Nigerian Murdered in South African Estate

Following the murder of 37-year-old Nigerian Julius Chukwunta, who was beaten to death by four South Africans inside an estate, the Nigerian community, acting through the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has expressed alarm.

Details of the Incident

The association claims that on Saturday, December 7, Chukwunta, who is from the Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, was attacked as he was making his way to his home in Midrand Protea Estate. The four men stopped Chukwunta from entering his home, according to a statement released on Saturday by Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, President-General of NICASA.

According to information that the association was able to obtain, Chukwunta sought assistance at the estate's security office after encountering resistance from his attackers after trying to enter. According to Onyekwelu, "the four men allegedly attacked him at that moment, leaving him severely injured with a head wound."

Response and Aftermath

Chukwunta was found bleeding on the ground by his female companion, who was sitting in the car and hurried to the security office. When residents and the security office tried to call for assistance, they refused to help call the police or an ambulance. An hour later, Chukwunta's partner called her father, who was driven to Tembisa General Hospital by him and other family members. After being put on life support, Chukwunta passed away on December 10, 2024, at Tembisa General Hospital from his wounds.

Legal Proceedings

According to Onyekwelu, Chukwunta's partner reported the incident to the Midrand Police Station, where it was filed under file number 262/12/2024. According to the NICASA President, the four suspects, who are ages 20, 24, 27, and 28, were charged with murder when the case was brought before Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024.

Three of the suspects were given R10,000 bail each during the court proceedings on December 18, 2024, while the fourth had not yet submitted an application for bail. The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025," Onyekwelu stated.

Community's Reaction

Disappointed by the proceedings, Onyekwelu questioned why three of the suspects were freed on bail and pledged that the Nigerian community would keep up its demands for Chukwunta's justice and support for his family. He underlined that until justice was done and the worth of Nigerian lives was respected in South Africa, the community would not stop.