Pretoria, South Africa, September 21, 2026: Olatunde Olaleye, a 40-year-old Nigerian father of two from Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, was shot dead while working at Spanata Bar and Grills in Mamelodi, Pretoria, according to the Nigerian Union in South Africa, NUSA.
NUSA President-General, Smart Nwobi, confirmed Olaleye’s death in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the circumstances surrounding the shooting were deeply troubling.
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According to Nwobi, Olaleye was allegedly shot by a South African national following an argument over whether a drinking glass could be taken outside the bar.
The account has not been independently established by police in the sources reviewed, and NUSA has called for a full investigation into the circumstances of the killing.
Nwobi also said there were reports that the alleged shooter returned to the premises after the incident and threatened the bar’s management, reportedly warning that members of his group would return.
Olaleye’s death has left his wife, two children and relatives grieving, while the Nigerian community in South Africa has expressed concern over another death involving a Nigerian national.
“We cannot continue to lose Nigerians under circumstances that leave families devastated, and communities traumatised,” Nwobi said.
NUSA called for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation and urged authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible faces the appropriate legal process.
The union also appealed to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, including the High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate-General, to intensify engagement with South African authorities.
Nwobi asked the Nigerian diplomatic mission to use available diplomatic channels to pursue the matter and strengthen efforts to protect Nigerians living and working in South Africa.
Olaleye’s killing has also renewed concerns within sections of the Nigerian community about the safety of Nigerians living and working in South Africa.
Several reports have described the incident as part of a wider pattern of deaths involving Nigerians in the country.
However, the circumstances of individual cases differ, and the available reports do not establish that Olaleye’s death was motivated by xenophobia.
For NUSA, the immediate priority is establishing exactly what happened at the Pretoria bar and ensuring that the investigation is conducted transparently.
The union has also extended its condolences to Olaleye’s family and the wider Nigerian community, while reiterating its call for justice.
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As the investigation continues, the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting remain subject to confirmation by the relevant South African authorities.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
