The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa , NICASA, has condemned the alleged murder of 37-year-old Julius Chukwunta, a Nigerian national, by four South Africans.
Chukwunta, a native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, was reportedly attacked on December 7, 2024, while driving to his home in Midrand, Protea Estate.
NICASA President-General, Dr. Frank Onyekwelu, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, explaining that Chukwunta was blocked by four men as he approached his residence. After attempting to bypass them, he encountered resistance, prompting him to seek help at the security office.
Dr. Onyekwelu recounted, “At that point, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound. His female companion, who was with him in the car, rushed to the security office and found him lying on the ground, bleeding.”
Despite efforts to call for assistance, neither the security office nor nearby residents contacted the police or an ambulance. After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner called her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.
Chukwunta was placed on life support but tragically succumbed to his injuries on December 10, 2024.
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Onyekwelu confirmed that the case, reported by Chukwunta’s partner, had been filed at the Midrand Police Station under file number 262/12/2024.
The four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was brought before the Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, where the suspects were charged with murder.
At a court hearing on December 18, 2024, three of the suspects were granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth suspect had not yet applied for bail. The case was adjourned until February 3, 2025.
Dr. Onyekwelu expressed his disappointment with the proceedings, vowing that the Nigerian community in South Africa would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and offer support to his grieving family.
He stressed that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was fully acknowledged and protected in South Africa.
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