Johannesburg/Lagos — A 58-year-old Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has been shot d3ad at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg, South Africa, the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has confirmed.
Fakunle, an indigene of Iye in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was k!lled on Friday, September 4, 2026. According to NICASA, two suspects gained access to his home and opened fire on him, discharging more than seven bullets.
The association described the k!lling as a “horrific and senseless act of violence” that has left the bishop’s family, friends and the broader Nigerian community in South Africa devastated.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, NICASA said: “This was not merely an ordinary loss of life; it was a horrific and senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a loved one and the Nigerian community of another precious life.”
NICASA strongly condemned what it called a “barbaric k!lling.” The group expressed deep concern over the continued loss of Nigerian lives to violent crime in South Africa, stressing that such incidents “cannot be allowed to become normal or treated as just another statistic. Every Nigerian life is valuable, and every mürder deserves justice.”
The association said it had formally notified the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg of the incident. A murder case has been opened at Jeppe Police Station, and investigations by the South African Police Service (SAPS) are ongoing.
NICASA called on SAPS and all relevant South African authorities to pursue the matter with the highest level of urgency, professionalism and transparency. It demanded a thorough and credible investigation to establish the full circumstances of the k!lling, identify and arrest those responsible, and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The group also urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities in South Africa to maintain close engagement with local investigators and closely monitor the progress of the case to ensure justice is served.
The k!lling has once again highlighted longstanding concerns among Nigerians living in South Africa about personal safety amid high levels of violent crime. Community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger protection and faster resolution of cases involving their nationals.
Further details about the motive for the attack or the identities of the suspects have not been released. Police investigations continue.
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