The incident, which occurred on April 20, 2025, involved a South African citizen who allegedly opened fire on the victims in broad daylight.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has called for urgent justice following the brutal killing of two of its members, Taiwo Raji and Yemi Akinwunmi, who were shot dead in front of their shops on Church Street, Arcadia, Pretoria.
The incident, which occurred on April 20, 2025, involved a South African citizen who allegedly opened fire on the victims in broad daylight.
Weeks later, the suspect was granted bail by a South African court, sparking outrage and fear within the Nigerian community.
NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, disclosed the development in a statement released.
He expressed concerns that the suspect might abscond and evade justice, given the lenient bail conditions.
“The suspected killer has long received bail from police custody and may not be found again,” Onyekwelu said.
“The deceased persons left behind two South African wives and six children, among other relatives and family members.”
On Thursday, Babatunde Dosumu, a cousin of the late Raji, said the suspect in the fatal shooting was also a trader who allegedly acted in retaliation over a missing phone.
Dosumu identified the accused as Kosina Titanbo, saying: “The police told us the man who killed my cousin was Kosina Titanbo. He claimed his phone was stolen at the market, and due to racial prejudice against Nigerians, he pulled a gun and shot them.”
In a separate incident, the President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Mr. Onyekwelu, disclosed that a Nigerian businessman, Silas Ani, was kidnapped from his residence in Springs, Johannesburg.
Ani and several others were reportedly abducted on April 24, 2025, by a man identified as Xolani Khumalo.
“Many of the victims were beaten, abused, and flogged while lying on bare floors,” Onyekwelu said. “Some were taken to isolated locations for further torture, including Mr. Silas Ani. While some victims were eventually released with severe injuries, Mr. Ani has yet to return.”
NICASA said a Nigerian law firm, Tony Okorie Attorneys, has been engaged to pursue legal action at the Johannesburg High Court.
Onyekwelu added that the case had been initially postponed for review by a senior judge, pending a final judgment, as Ani's whereabouts remain unknown.
He urged the intervention of the Nigerian government, noting that both the Nigerian High Commission and consulate in South Africa had been notified of the developments.