A murder scene in Kempton Park CBD swiftly became a protest platform for Nigerian nationals on Friday afternoon, following the death of their compatriot the same morning.
They said there must be stricter laws in South Africa with regards to Nigerian nationals receiving firearm licences.
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This came after the owner of a bar on the corner of West and Oak streets, who is also from Nigeria, allegedly shot and killed 42-year-old Chibuzo Nwankwu, following an altercation between the two men in the early hours of Friday morning.
When Express arrived at the scene at around 12.30pm, the bar’s sliding door had already been smashed. Cardboard covering burglar bars was also torn to pieces. About 100 upset residents surrounded the scene but they did not appear violent.
The victim’s brother, Peter Oboboudhi (33), spoke to Express as the crowd looked on: “When my father passed away, I did not cry,” he said, “but now tears are on my face. I want us Nigerians to walk together for justice.”
As he spoke, his brother’s blood could be seen on the side of the road, mixed with drain water and garbage.
Oboboudhi stated there must be stricter laws against guns in South Africa. He was not alone: “Government should stop giving Nigerian nationals firearms,” said a friend of the victim, John Amadi, who has lived in South Africa for 12 years.
“Self-defence is one thing, but killing a Nigerian brother just like that…”
Capt Jethro Mtshali, spokesperson for Kempton Park SAPS, confirmed the firearm used in the attack was licensed. He said law enforcement condemned the incident.
“We mustn’t raise the tempers, because that will not resolve any problems. We condemn any person that takes the law into their own hands.”
He urged the community to remain calm and allow the police to continue with their investigation. “We will monitor the situation and take drastic action if necessary,” he concluded.
