Olushola Omogbehin
A 58-year-old Nigerian cleric, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, has been allegedly killed in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) disclosed thatFakunle who is an indigene of Iye, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was allegedly killed on Friday, September 4, 2026, at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg.
While disclosing this in a statement on Thursday, the National President of NICASA, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death had left his family, friends and members of the Nigerian community devastated.
According to his published by Vanguard, that the two suspects allegedly gained access to Fakunle’s residence and opened fire on him, reportedly shooting him more than seven times.
Describing the incident as horrific and senseless act of violence, he also expressed concern over the continued loss of Nigerian lives to violent crime in South Africa.
“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.”
He revealed that NICASA had reported the incident to the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg and that a murder case had been opened at Jeppe Police Station.
Onyekwelu urged South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
“We demand a thorough and credible investigation that will establish exactly what happened, identify all those responsible, apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought before the courts to face the full might of the law,” he said.
