By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has raised an alarm over the alleged murder of 37-year-old Nigerian, Mr Julius Chukwunta by persons suspected to be four South Africans.
The Nigerian community in South Africa also strongly condemned the alleged murder of Chukwunta who is said to be a native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State.
Chukwunta was reportedly attacked on December 7, 2024, while driving to his residence in Midrand Protea Estate, in Midrand, South Africa.
The incident was said to have sparked outrage among Nigerians living in South Africa.
In a press statement, NICASA’s president-general, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, said the four suspects were arrested and charged with alleged murder, appearing in the Alexandra Magistrate Court, where three were granted bail, while the case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.
Onyekwelu stated: “At that moment, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound. His female companion, who was sitting in the car, rushed to the security office and discovered him bleeding on the ground.
“Despite attempts to call for help, the security office and residents did not assist in calling the police or an ambulance.
“After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner contacted her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.
“Chukwunta was placed on life support but later succumbed to his injuries at the Tembisa General Hospital on December 10, 2024,” he said.
Onyekwelu confirmed that the case reported by Chukwunta’s partner has been registered at the Midrand police station under file number 262/12/2024.
He said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27 and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented at the Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, where they were charged with murder.
“The court proceedings on December 18, 2024, saw three of the suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth had not yet applied for bail. The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.”
