By Joyce Ekeh
A 58-year-old Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has allegedly been shot dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa, the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, NICASA, has said.
Fakunle, an indigene of Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was allegedly killed on Friday, September 4, 2026, in an incident that has sparked fresh concerns over the safety of Nigerians living and conducting legitimate businesses in South Africa.
National President of NICASA, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, disclosed this in a statement, saying the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death had left his family, friends and members of the Nigerian community devastated.
According to him, two suspects allegedly gained access to Fakunle’s residence and opened fire on him, reportedly shooting him more than seven times.
Onyekwelu described the incident as a “horrific and senseless act of violence,” while condemning what he described as the continued loss of Nigerian lives to violent crime in South Africa.
“This was not merely an ordinary loss of life; it was a horrific and senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a loved one and the Nigerian community of another precious life,” he said.
NICASA said it had formally brought the incident to the attention of the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg.
The association also disclosed that a murder case had been opened at Jeppe Police Station and called on the South African Police Service, SAPS, and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.
“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,” Onyekwelu said.
He urged the South African authorities to ensure that the investigation was not allowed to stall, stressing the need for justice for the deceased, his family and the wider Nigerian community.
NICASA also called on Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to sustain engagement with relevant South African authorities and closely monitor the investigation until those responsible are brought to justice.
The association expressed sympathy with Fakunle’s family, friends and associates, while urging Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or threats to the appropriate authorities.
The alleged killing comes amid renewed concerns within Nigeria over the safety of its citizens in South Africa, where Nigerian community groups have repeatedly raised concerns over violent crime and xenophobic attacks.
NICASA said it would continue to engage the relevant authorities and monitor developments in the case.
