Nigerian killed in South Africa anti-drug operation, protests erupt

A Nigerian man has been shot dead during an anti-drug operation in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province, South Africa, triggering protests by Nigerians and renewed calls for accountability.

The incident occurred on Sunday, February 8, 2026, during an operation involving members of the opposition political party, ActionSA, led by its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Councillor Xolani Khumalo.

An eyewitness account said the deceased was inside his car when the shooting occurred.

According to the account, the man was asleep and suddenly woke up to find an individual standing on the bonnet of his vehicle.
The witness said the victim believed he was being hijacked and panicked.

“He thought it was a hijack attempt and tried to drive away. That was when he was shot,” the eyewitness said.

ActionSA later confirmed the shooting in a statement released on Monday. The party said the incident happened during an anti-drug operation and described the deceased as a suspect allegedly linked to drug trafficking.

Confirming the incident, Khumalo, who issued the statement in his capacity as ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, said the operation was aimed at curbing drug-related activities in the area.

“The incident occurred during an anti-drug operation,” the statement said, adding that the deceased was “a suspect believed to be involved in drug trafficking.”

Following the shooting, tension rose as a group of Nigerian nationals gathered at the Linden Police Station, demanding Khumalo’s arrest and a full investigation into the killing.

Some protesters described the incident as excessive use of force and called on South African authorities to ensure justice.

As of the time of filing this report, South African police authorities had yet to release an official statement or detailed report clarifying the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The killing has continued to attract reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for a transparent investigation and urging diplomatic engagement to address concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa.