The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has alleged the killing of a 58-year-old Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fakunle, an indigene of Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was reportedly killed on Friday, September 4, 2026, at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg.
National President of NICASA, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, describing the incident as a devastating loss to the cleric’s family, friends and the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.
According to Onyekwelu, two suspects allegedly gained access to Fakunle’s residence and opened fire on him, reportedly shooting him more than seven times.
He condemned the incident as a “horrific and senseless act of violence,” expressing concern over 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,” Onyekwelu said.
The NICASA president said the association had reported the incident to the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, while a murder case had also been opened at Jeppe Police Station.
He urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the killing and bring those responsible to justice.
The association also called for greater protection of Nigerians living and working in South Africa amid concerns over violent crime targeting members of the Nigerian community.
