Nigerian businessman shot dead in South Africa as fears over anti-foreigner tensions grow
A Nigerian businessman popularly known as Big Joe has reportedly been shot dead outside his business premises in Witbank (Emalahleni), Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
According to eyewitnesses, the businessman was standing outside his shop when unidentified gunmen approached and opened fire on him several times before fleeing the scene.
Videos shared on social media reportedly showed Big Joe lying in a pool of blood as residents and fellow traders gathered at the scene. He was later confirmed to have died from the gunshot injuries.
The incident has heightened concerns among members of the Nigerian community in South Africa, especially following reports that some anti-foreigner groups had issued a June 30 ultimatum urging foreign nationals to close their businesses and leave certain communities.
The killing has further raised fears among foreign business owners and residents in areas including Witbank, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, where reports of possible xenophobic threats have generated anxiety in recent weeks.
However, South African authorities have not officially linked the shooting to xenophobic violence. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
