Nigerians given 12-hour ultimatum to leave South African province after cop’s fatal stabbing

Nigerians and other foreign Nationals residing in Keimoes and Upington area of Northern Cape, South Africa, have been reportedly given 12 hours to vacate the communities.

The Cable reports that the president of Nigeria Union in South Africa, Adetola Olubajo, disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday December 9th.

According to Olubajo, trouble started after a Nigerian allegedly stabbed to death a South African police officer, Nico Visagie, during a disagreement.  Olubajo said the details of the disagreement were still not very clear as the “major witness” was also stabbed multiple times and was still in critical condition at the hospital.

“After the horrific incident, the community members of Keimoes and environs went on rampage burning and destroying properties belonging to foreign nationals, Nigerians in particular. These attacks spread to Upington and Nigerians and other foreign nationals were also expelled from Upington. 

Prompt Police intervention brought about calm but the situation is still tensed. Some locals were arrested by the police for public disturbance and malicious damage to properties. They appeared in a magistrates’ court this morning for bail hearing.”

He added that the suspect who stabbed the police officer had been arrested and would appear in court on or before Monday.

“We commend the swift intervention of the members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the arrest of the suspect is a welcome development. We hope the police will continue to maintain law and order in the area.”