A Nigerian businessman, popularly known as ‘Big Joe’, been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 28, 2026, outside his business premises located in Witbank, Emalahleni.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants opened fire on the victim multiple times at close range before fleeing the scene.
The killing comes amid heightened security concerns and growing anti-immigrant sentiments in parts of South Africa, where some local groups have recently intensified calls for foreign nationals to leave the country.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) was yet to release an official statement to confirm the true identity of the deceased or the specific motive behind the attack. However, local authorities confirmed that investigations were underway to track down the fleeing assailants.
Meanwhile, the incident has renewed serious fears over the safety of foreign nationals living and doing business in South Africa.
Reacting to the development, members of the Nigerian community in the diaspora have called on the South African government to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served for the victim.
