A Nigerian national Julius Chukwunta, 37, tragically lost his life after being brutally attacked by four South African men in Midrand’s Protea Estate.
President-general of the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) Frank Onyekwelu revealed details of the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.
Chukwunta, originally from Aninri LGA in Enugu state, was reportedly attacked on December 7, 2024, while driving home.
According to Onyekwelu, the victim was blocked by four men as he neared his residence. When Chukwunta tried to bypass them, they resisted and later attacked him.
Seeking refuge, Chukwunta approached the security office at the estate, but no assistance was provided.
“The four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound,” Onyekwelu said.
He added that Chukwunta’s female companion, who was in the car, rushed to the security office only to find him bleeding on the ground. Despite her pleas, neither the security personnel nor residents offered help or contacted emergency services.
He explained further that after an hour, Chukwunta’s partner called her father, who, along with other family members, transported him to Tembisa General Hospital. He was placed on life support but succumbed to his injuries on December 10, 2024.
He said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, 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,” he said.
Onyekwelu expressed disappointment at the proceedings and vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family.
