- A Nigerian businessman popularly known as Big Joe was shot and killed by unknown gunmen in South Africa
- The businessman’s close friend, who has since returned to Nigeria as xenophobia fears deepen in South Africa, shared the news on Instagram
- The sad news sparked grief and outrage among Nigerians, who described the victim as an innocent, hard-working man
- The killing reignited fears over xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, though some netizens suggested it may have been a targeted hit
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A Nigerian businessman popularly known as Big Joe has been shot dead outside his shop in South Africa. The news of his killing sent shockwaves through the Nigerian community both at home and in the diaspora
Who shot businessman Big Joe?
According tohe incident happened in Witbank, Emalahleni, in Mpumalanga Province. It is reported that the assailants opened fire on the businessman multiple times before fleeing the scene
His close friend, musician Slamd D Emmanuel, broke the news on Monday, 29 June, sharing a tribute post that simply read:
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“I can’t believe that you are no more, Big Joe. RIP, brother 😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔💔💔.”
The post quickly drew an outpouring of grief and anger from Nigerians online, many of whom praised the deceased as a hard-working man whose life was cut short senselessly
The shooting has reignited deep concerns about the safety of Nigerian and other African foreign nationals living and doing business in South Africa. The killing comes against a backdrop of ongoing anti-immigrant tensions in the country, where xenophobic sentiment has periodically boiled over into violence targeting shop owners and traders from other African nations
Reactions among Nigerians online ranged from sorrow to suspicion about the true motive behind the attack
“As a Nigerian this doesn’t feel like the anti immigrants protest. This looks like a hit.”
Caplanbrakos said:
“Africa will never forget 😏.”
Justt.kemzy said:
“They wasted this innocent, hard-working man’s life. South Africa is going to regret this.”
Nike_emr said:
“This is unfair, SA!! 💔.”
Olisa Enlobing wrote:
“RIP boss, Big Joe. Only God knows.”
Pereegbiofficial said:
“Say no to xenophobia and violence.”
Ladyrosabel said:
“You mean Nigerians are still there with everything happening? It’s not worth it at all.”
Amakajennie wrote:
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Big Joe’s death adds to a long and painful list of Nigerian traders and entrepreneurs who have lost their lives while building livelihoods in South Africa
The circumstances surrounding the shooting have not yet been fully confirmed publicly, with a section of Africans across social media questioning whether the attack was connected to broader xenophobic unrest or something more personal
Did Museveni order evacuation of Ugandans from South Africa?
In another stor, Uganda’s president oweri Museveni shared urgent plans toevacuate Ugandan citizens from South Africaamid a surge in xenophobic violence
With escalating tensions leading to tragic consequences, including the confirmed death of a Ugandan national, many families were left in fear for their loved ones’ safety
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Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Authors:
Caren Nyota (Entertainment editor)Caren Nyota is the Head of Entertainment Desk at TUKO.co.ke with 11 years of experience in print and digital media. Previously, she worked as an editor at Mpasho.co.ke, The Star Kenya and as a features and investigative reporter at Radio Africa Group. Have an extraordinary story to share with Caren? Email: Caren.nyota@tuko.co.ke
Tags:Nigeria NewsSouth Africa
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