By Emmanuel Nduka
Two Nigerian nationals, identified only as Austin and Ayo, have been killed in a shooting incident in Durban, South Africa.
Heritage Times HT reports that the tragic event took place on Thursday, July 9, when three unidentified gunmen stormed Austin’s office at around 8 p.m. and opened fire, killing both men on the spot.
According to Fidelis, a friend of the deceased who spoke to local Nigerian newspaper PUNCH, Austin was a car dealer and tyre seller in Durban. On the night of the incident, Ayo had stopped by to visit him at his shop. While they were conversing, the assailants, all wearing masks, burst into the shop and shot them without uttering a word.
“There were some customers at the shop who managed to flee when the attackers came in with guns. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and then saw the masked men fleeing the scene,” Fidelis recounted. Efforts to rush the victims to the hospital proved futile as they were confirmed dead on arrival.
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage of the attack was shared with the newspaper by another source based in Nigeria. The video reportedly shows the men chatting moments before the attackers appeared from behind and shot Austin at close range. Ayo was gunned down while attempting to escape.
The source also revealed that the incident became known to family and friends about a week later. Although speculation suggests the attack may be linked to a business dispute, the motive remains unclear. “We’ve heard different stories, but nothing has been confirmed. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, but there’s been no arrest so far,” the source said.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), had not reacted to the incident at the time of filing this report.
This incident follows a series of violent attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa. In April 2025, two Nigerians, Taiwo Raji and Yemi Akinwunmi, were shot dead in Pretoria. The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) demanded justice, but the alleged killer was later granted bail by a South African court.
NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, also reported the kidnapping of Nigerian businessman Silas Ani in Johannesburg in April, as well as the December 2024 murder of Julius Chukwunta in Midrand, Johannesburg.
The persistent attacks have raised concerns about the safety and protection of Nigerians living in South Africa.
