An angry South African soldier has sparked reactions after publicly accusing Nigerians of contributing to rising cases of drug trafficking, prostitution, and human trafficking during a protest outside the Nigerian embassy.
The demonstration comes amid growing tensions around immigration and crime in the country, with protesters calling for tighter border control measures and stricter enforcement of visa regulations for foreign nationals.
Speaking during the protest, the soldier alleged that some Nigerians are involved in criminal networks that are worsening insecurity and exploiting vulnerable individuals, including children.
“We are seeing our children being taken from schools and forced into prostitution across towns in South Africa. Nigerians are involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities. They come here and hijack buildings, and our communities are no longer safe,” he claimed.
He further alleged that some traders use street businesses as a cover for illegal activities.
“They sell fake clothes on the streets, but underneath, it is drugs. This cannot continue. If they must stay here, they should have proper documentation, and after a certain period, they must leave. We are angry because our country is falling apart,” he added.
South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence, with major outbreaks recorded in 2008, 2015, and 2019, where foreign nationals—including Nigerians—were targeted over claims related to crime and economic competition.
Expressing frustration, the protester also referenced the country’s past struggles.
“We fought for this country, and some of us still carry wounds from the past. Now that we should be enjoying freedom, things are getting worse. South Africa belongs to us, and this must come to an end,” he said.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the ongoing debate around immigration, crime, and social tensions in South Africa.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
