The Nigerian South Africa (NUSA) has strongly condemned the recent violent assault on seven Nigerians, including the abduction of Ani Silas, in Springs, Gauteng Province.
In a statement released on Sunday, NUSA’s national publicity secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, revealed that Silas was brutally beaten unconscious and kidnapped from his workplace by a staff member from a television station.
The attacker was reportedly accompanied by his media team, private security, and members of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Crime Prevention Unit stationed at Springs SAPS.
The statement highlighted that numerous bystanders witnessed the unprovoked attack and abduction, and NUSA has secured video evidence showing SAPS officers standing by while the assault occurred.
“This behavior by law enforcement is a blatant dereliction of duty and may indicate complicity in what constitutes multiple criminal offenses under South African law,” NUSA stated.
Despite extensive searches at morgues, hospitals, and police stations across Gauteng, Silas remains missing.
A formal kidnapping case (Case Number: 508/4/2025) has been filed at the Springs SAPS, and the matter has been handed over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation.
NUSA has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Silas by Tuesday at 12 noon, and called for full accountability for those involved in the assault and abduction.
The union also called for the swift arrest and suspension of the SAPS officers who failed to intervene during the attack.
Furthermore, NUSA urged a thorough investigation and arrest of the assailant and accomplices, citing their involvement in a disturbing pattern of violent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa.
The union also sought assurance from South African authorities that the rights of foreign nationals, as guaranteed by the South African Constitution and international human rights laws, will be upheld.
NUSA president, Smart Nwobi, emphasized that South African law explicitly prohibits acts of torture, assault, and kidnapping under the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act 13 of 2013.
He called on Nigerians in South Africa to stay vigilant and peaceful during this critical period.
“We are in communication with the Nigerian government, human rights organizations, and the African Union to address this serious issue,” Nwobi stated.
“Should our demands not be met by the deadline, the Nigerian community in Springs has resolved to peacefully occupy the Springs police station.”
NUSA also pledged to explore all available legal avenues to ensure justice for Silas and other victims of similar attacks.
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