Two Nigerians burnt alive in South Africa xenophobic spike as attacks rise
Two Nigerians were burnt alive in a recent xenophobic attack in South Africa, according to a comment by South African national Paul on X, who warned more Nigerian criminals would be buried this Saturday. The incident follows a spike in attacks targeting Africans, with historical data showing 116 Nigerians killed over a two-year period (2015‑2016) and 62 deaths in the 2008 uprising. Unemployment in South Africa hovers around 33%, fueling rhetoric that blames immigrants for job losses.
For Nigerians, this matters because the violence echoes apartheid‑era hostilities, now amplified by political figures such as Zulu king Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who called immigrants “kwerekwere” and urged their eviction, and parties like MK that use xenophobia for political gain. Despite Nigeria contributing an estimated $60 billion to South Africa’s anti‑apartheid struggle, its citizens today face hostility that threatens lives and livelihoods, especially informal traders and students.
Nigerians in South Africa should stay alert, avoid areas known for recent violence, and register with the Nigerian embassy in Pretoria for emergency assistance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises monitoring local news and reporting attacks to authorities. Staying informed and connected can help mitigate risk amid the rising tension.