The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called on South Africa to take decisive action against rising xenophobic attacks and the intimidation of foreign nationals.
In a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres expressed serious concern over incidents reported in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, condemning both criminal acts and rhetoric that incites violence against migrants.
“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society,” he said.
This followed a recent report of the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, in separate incidents linked to escalating tensions in South Africa.
In a statement on Monday, Consul-General Ninikanwa Okey-Uche said Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on April 20.
She added that Andrew was arrested a day earlier in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged altercation with officers of the Tshwane Metro Police. His body was later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.
According to the consulate, the two incidents—both involving security personnel—have sent shockwaves through the Nigerian community and diplomatic circles.
He stressed that such actions undermine the values of an inclusive society, noting that South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle was rooted in international and African solidarity.
The UN chief highlighted the longstanding contributions of migrants to South Africa’s growth, pointing out that the country’s development has benefited from people across the African continent.
While acknowledging the nation’s socio-economic pressures, Guterres welcomed ongoing government efforts, including the National Action Plan against Racism and Xenophobia, aimed at addressing discrimination and social tensions.
He further urged authorities to ensure that investigations into recent attacks are conducted swiftly and independently to guarantee justice for victims.
Guterres also extended his goodwill message to South Africans as they marked Freedom Day, commemorating the country’s democratic progress.
FG seeks probe
A formal complaint has been lodged with the South African Police Service, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been urged to carry out a full and impartial probe.
“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Okey-Uche said.
“No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands.”
Okey-Uche said the consulate is in contact with relevant authorities and will support the families of the deceased.
She also cautioned against the growing trend of stereotyping Nigerians as criminals, warning that such narratives are harmful and could further inflame tensions.
The consul-general urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and avoid actions that could escalate the situation while investigations are ongoing.
A formal complaint has been lodged with the South African Police Service, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been urged to carry out a full and impartial probe.
“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.
“No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands.”
Okey-Uche said the consulate is in contact with relevant authorities and will support the families of the deceased.
She also cautioned against the growing trend of stereotyping Nigerians as criminals, warning that such narratives are harmful and could further inflame tensions.
The consul-general urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and avoid actions that could escalate the situation while investigations are ongoing.
Historical background
Xenophobia has been a persistent issue in South Africa for decades, with several notable peaks. In 2008, which was the genesis of the violence, at least 62 people were killed in a nationwide uprising against immigrants. In 2015, a major spike in attacks, particularly in Durban and Johannesburg, led to foreign governments repatriating their citizens.
Four years later, riots in Johannesburg and Durban resulted in 12 deaths and the destruction of over 50 foreign-owned businesses. In 2022, ‘Operation Dudula’, a prominent vigilante movement, emerged, conducting raids and marches to forcibly remove undocumented foreigners from townships Soweto
What happened recently in 2026?
Fresh concerns over xenophobia emerged in South Africa last Tuesday following the circulation of viral videos showing hostility towards African migrants in different parts of the country.
In one widely shared clip, a group of locals confronted a Ghanaian national, questioning his presence and accusing migrants of abandoning their home countries instead of improving them.
“This thing of you guys moving from one country to the other, it’s no longer working,” a woman said on behalf of the group.
“We don’t want these African people anymore. We’re tired of seeing African migrants moving all over the world, refusing to fix their own countries. Now we’re making it very clear to you guys: we don’t want you here, we want you to fix your countries.
“Now you came here with a travelling document, you came with a passport. You know that you’re a visitor, now you’ve decided to integrate into our communities. You know very well what you’re doing is wrong. We can’t come to Ghana and do what you’re doing.”
In the same footage, a man was seen aggressively interrogating the Ghanaian over his travel documents, alleging fraud and compelling him to warn others from Ghana to leave South Africa to avoid similar encounters.
Another video showed a man believed to be Ghanaian being physically assaulted, further heightening fears of targeted violence. In a separate clip, a South African man criticised foreigners for what he described as enjoying comfort while locals struggle.
“They can’t come here and take our sleep away from us,” he said, insisting that “they must go back to their countries”.
The videos began trending online on Tuesday, sparking widespread reactions.
Tensions are expected to escalate as residents of Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape province, plan protests over what they describe as the growing presence of foreign nationals and limited job opportunities for locals.
Ghana reacts, seeks probe
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Ablakwa, condemned the incidents, describing the videos as “extremely disturbing”.
He disclosed that he had spoken with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola, who assured him that investigations would be launched.
“The South African Foreign Minister has expressed his empathy with the victims and promised full scale investigations into the depressing incidents,” Ablakwa said.
He added that Ghana’s High Commission in South Africa had identified the victim seen in one of the videos and is providing consular support.
“He is doing very well. No Ghanaian life has been lost. We urge calm and confidence in our collective capacity to protect Ghanaians,” he said.
“We are determined to guarantee the protection of all citizens. May these regrettable incidents never quench our Pan-African love and solidarity for each other. The overwhelming majority of Africans are united and share an unbreakable bond — we shall not be divided by the hatred of a few fringe elements.”
🚨BREAKING: Watch The Video Clip Here ➤
