DURBAN, South Africa — Two Nigerian businessmen were shot dead in Durban, South Africa on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in what authorities have described as a targeted attack, further deepening concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in the country.
The victims, identified by friends simply as Austin and Ayo, were killed when three masked gunmen stormed Austin’s tyre and car sales office at around 8:00 p.m.
The assailants reportedly opened fire without warning, killing the men on the spot.
“They didn’t say anything,” said Fidelis, a close friend of the victims, who spoke to The Punch by phone.
“They just came in, saw them, and started shooting.”
CCTV footage reviewed by journalists confirmed the account.
The video shows Austin being shot at close range, while Ayo was gunned down as he attempted to flee.
The attack, which happened in the presence of customers—most of whom fled at the sight of the masked gunmen—is the latest in a string of violent incidents involving Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
According to community leaders, at least eight Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since February 2025 under varying but equally disturbing circumstances. These include:
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Taiwo Raji and Yemi Akinwunmi, shot dead on Saturday, April 20, 2025, in front of their shops in Pretoria.
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Silas Ani, kidnapped in Johannesburg on Thursday, April 24, 2025, still missing.
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Julius Chukwunta, who died following a violent attack in Midrand.
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Benjamin Okoli and Jeremiah Okoye, who died in police custody under controversial circumstances.
The killings have sparked outrage among Nigerians in South Africa and renewed calls for diplomatic intervention.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has condemned the latest attack as “barbaric” and “unacceptable.”
Its chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, called on South African authorities to launch a full-scale investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“This senseless and unprovoked killing is condemnable,” Dabiri-Erewa said in a statement.
“The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is following up, and we expect the South African authorities to act swiftly.”
Dabiri-Erewa also expressed regret that the Early Warning Mechanism established between both countries after previous xenophobic attacks has not been effectively implemented.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) echoed similar concerns.
Its president, Frank Onyekwelu, criticised the slow pace of justice, noting that suspects in previous killings had been granted bail, further eroding trust in South Africa’s legal process.
Meanwhile, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said investigations are ongoing and cautioned against jumping to conclusions about the motive, including xenophobia.
“We can’t say for sure that it’s xenophobic,” Ebienfa told Daily Trust.
“But we are closely monitoring the situation through our mission in South Africa.”
Residents of Durban’s Nigerian community have described the situation as increasingly tense.
Some fear that the attack signals a dangerous escalation of violence.
“We are no longer safe,” said one Nigerian business owner who requested anonymity.
“You could be next, and no one is held accountable.”
As the Nigerian government awaits a formal investigation outcome, Dabiri-Erewa has appealed for calm and urged Nigerian residents in South Africa not to take the law into their own hands.
In the meantime, families of the deceased await repatriation of the bodies, and a diaspora on edge waits for action—and justice.
