- Chukwunta was placed on life support but succumbed to his injuries on December 10, 2024
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the alleged murder of a 37-year-old Nigerian, Julius Chukwunta, by four South Africans in Midrand, Gauteng Province.
Chukwunta, from Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, was reportedly attacked on December 7, 2024, near his residence at Midrand Protea Estate. According to NICASA President-General Dr Frank Onyekwelu, Chukwunta was blocked by four men while driving home and attacked after seeking help at the estate’s security office.
“He sustained a severe head wound and was left bleeding on the ground. Despite his companion’s efforts, neither the security office nor residents called for emergency assistance. It was an hour later that his partner’s family transported him to Tembisa General Hospital,” Onyekwelu said.
Chukwunta was placed on life support but succumbed to his injuries on December 10, 2024.
The case, filed at Midrand police station under reference 262/12/2024, led to the arrest of four suspects aged 20, 24, 27, and 28. Three were granted bail of R10,000 each during a hearing at Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, while the fourth suspect’s bail application is pending. The case has been adjourned to February 3, 2025.
Onyekwelu criticised the court’s decision to grant bail, expressing the Nigerian community’s disappointment. He pledged NICASA’s commitment to pursuing justice for Chukwunta and supporting his family, saying, “We will not rest until justice is served and the value of Nigerian lives is upheld in South Africa.”