The Nigeria Union in Kwazulu Natal Province in South Africa on Wednesday filed a petition with the police to protest the alleged killing of a Nigerian businessman on November 21.
The Chairman of the union in the province, Mr Bartholomew Eziagulu, said in Durban, South Africa, that the union asked the police to investigate the incident and prosecute the culprits.
Eziagulu alleged that the businessman, John Onyedibia, 35, and father of two children, was shot by the police in his shop in Durban.
He said the deceased’s younger brother witnessed the incident and reported it to the union.
He said the union staged a peaceful protest over the incident and drew the attention of the provincial administration to investigate it.
Eziagulu said that the union was not opposed to the arrest and prosecution of any member who contravened South African laws.
“The South African police are known to be meticulous, but we are worried that our member was shot in his shop instead of following the due process.
“We want the authorities to investigate the incident and prosecute the culprits. Onyedibia is married to a South African and doing well in his business before this unfortunate incident,’’ he said.
The President of the umbrella Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, said it had received the report of the incident from the Kwazulu Natal chapter.
“We support the action taken by the provincial chapter and reiterate that we will continue to protect the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa.
“The union also requested the police to investigate the incident and take necessary action,’’ he said.
Reacting to the petition, the Commissioner in-charge of security and safety at the Kwazulu Natal Province, Mrs Khaladi Mbongwe, acknowledged its receipt and promised that it would be looked into.
