The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has expressed deep disappointment after a South African court granted bail to three suspects arrested in connection with the brutal killing of 37-year-old Nigerian, Julius Chukwunta. The decision to grant bail, despite concerns about the suspects’ flight risk, has caused outrage within the Nigerian community, as many feel the justice system has failed them.
Frank Onyekwelu, President General of NICASA, voiced the community’s frustration in an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters on Sunday. According to Onyekwelu, the association had raised concerns during the bail hearing that the four suspects could flee the country if granted bail. Despite this objection, the court granted bail to three of the suspects, each for an amount of R10,000 (approximately 10,000 South African Rand), and instructed the fourth to officially apply for bail.
“We are extremely disappointed by the court’s decision. Our main concern was that the suspects are a flight risk. Despite our objections, the court proceeded with granting bail, which has left us feeling that justice for Mr Chukwunta is slipping further away,” Onyekwelu said.
The tragic events leading up to Chukwunta’s death unfolded on the evening of Saturday, December 7, 2024. Chukwunta, who lived in Protea Estate, Midrand, was returning to his residence when he was confronted by a group of men blocking his driveway. According to Onyekwelu, Chukwunta attempted to seek assistance from the security office in the complex, but before he could reach help, he was attacked by four men.
“They pounced on him and attacked him viciously, leaving him bleeding with a severe injury to his skull,” Onyekwelu explained. “His partner, who was in the car at the time, rushed to the security office for help. When she returned, she found him lying on the ground, bleeding heavily.”
Chukwunta’s partner struggled to get any assistance from the complex’s residents or security office, who failed to call for medical help or the police. After an agonising hour, she managed to contact her father, who arrived with other family members to take Chukwunta to the nearest hospital, Tembisa General Hospital. There, doctors placed him on life support due to severe blood loss and head injuries. Tragically, Chukwunta passed away on December 10, 2024.
The murder case was reported to Midrand Police Station, and following an investigation, four suspects aged 20, 24, 27, and 28 were arrested. On December 13, 2024, the suspects appeared in court for the first time, where they were formally charged with murder. The case was postponed, and on December 18, the four suspects were again brought to court to apply for bail.
NICASA executives, including Onyekwelu, attended the court proceedings to show support for the victim’s family. Three of the suspects were granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth was asked to formally apply for bail at a later date. This ruling has sparked widespread anger among Nigerians in South Africa, especially as they feel that the suspects may now have the opportunity to flee the country.
“While we respect the legal process, it’s hard to understand how such dangerous individuals, involved in such a brutal killing, can be released on bail,” Onyekwelu said. “The community is devastated, and there was a visible sense of shock in the courtroom, especially from Mr Chukwunta’s partner and family. It feels like we are losing this fight for justice.”
In response to the court’s decision, NICASA has vowed to continue fighting for justice on behalf of Chukwunta’s family. The association has expressed its intent to engage the Nigerian Consulate and High Commission to ensure that the case receives the attention it deserves. NICASA leaders have also pledged to keep the Nigerian community informed and involved in the pursuit of justice.
“We will not rest until justice is served. This is not just a case of a Nigerian man’s death; it is a matter of our community’s safety and the value of our lives abroad,” Onyekwelu stated. “We will bring this issue to the highest authorities to make sure that those responsible are held accountable.”
NICASA has also provided support to Chukwunta’s family, who are enduring a difficult time following the loss of their loved one. Onyekwelu shared that NICASA executives visited the family’s home in Midrand on December 15, 2024, to convey their condolences. During the visit, the family recounted the tragic events of the night and expressed their deep sorrow.
“We spoke to the family and offered our condolences. We assured them that we would do everything in our power to make sure that justice is served,” Onyekwelu said. “We also spoke to the deceased’s brother in Nigeria and offered support. We understand the immense trauma this has caused, especially as the mother of the deceased is still in hospital due to health issues.”
The Nigerian community in South Africa has been particularly vocal about the need for stronger protections for its citizens living abroad. Many have expressed concerns about the growing trend of violent attacks against Nigerians in the country, and they are calling on the South African government and the legal system to do more to safeguard their rights.
“Every day, Nigerians in South Africa face discrimination and violence. We need to be able to live here safely, without fear for our lives,” said one Nigerian community member, who attended the court hearing. “The court’s decision to grant bail to the killers of Mr Chukwunta is another sign that our lives are not valued here. We demand justice.”
With the case now adjourned until February 3, 2025, NICASA and the Nigerian community in South Africa are bracing for what promises to be a long legal battle. The community’s call for justice continues to grow louder, with the hope that this tragedy will not be forgotten and that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.
“We cannot allow this to go unnoticed. Justice for Julius Chukwunta is justice for all Nigerians,” Onyekwelu concluded.
