Crime Watch:
Nigerians In South Africa Demand Justice For Bishop Found Dead In Apartment
NICASA appealed to the South African authorities not to allow the case to go cold
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has called for an urgent and thorough investigation into the killing of a 58-year-old Nigerian bishop, Taiwo Michael Fakunle, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fakunle, an indigene of Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was reportedly killed at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, on Friday, September 4, 2026.
According to NICASA, two suspects gained access to the bishop’s residence and opened fire, reportedly shooting him more than seven times.
In a statement signed by its National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, NICASA described the killing as “a horrific and senseless act of violence” and condemned it in the strongest terms.
“Enough is enough,” the association said, expressing concern over what it described as the continued loss of Nigerian lives through violent crime in South Africa.
NICASA said it had brought the incident to the attention of the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, while a murder case had also been opened at Jeppe Police Station.
The association called on the South African Police Service and other relevant authorities to investigate the killing with urgency, professionalism and transparency.
“We demand a thorough and credible investigation that will establish exactly what happened, identify all those responsible, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought before the courts to face the full might of the law,” NICASA said.
Read Also
FG Slams Killing Of Two Nigerians In South Africa, Threatens Action›
FG Seeks Autopsy, Probe Over Killing Of Two Nigerians In South Africa›
South Africa Opposition Leader Malema Gets Five-Year Jail Term On Gun Charges›
The association also urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to continue engaging with their South African counterparts and monitor the investigation until those responsible are brought to justice.
“The family deserves answers. The Nigerian community deserves justice. Bishop Taiwo deserves justice,” it said.
NICASA appealed to the South African authorities not to allow the case to go cold, warning against allowing the killing of another Nigerian to become a forgotten case.
“Please do not allow this case to go cold. Do not allow another Nigerian life lost to violence to become another forgotten file. We expect accountability and justice,” the association said.
While expressing condolences to Fakunle’s family, friends, church community, fellow Ekiti indigenes and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa, NICASA urged Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding.
It cautioned members of the Nigerian community against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that the pursuit of justice must be conducted through legitimate and lawful channels.
NICASA said it would continue to engage relevant authorities and closely monitor the investigation.
