Midrand, South Africa – The Nigerian community in South Africa is demanding justice after the tragic death of Chukwunta Julius Friday, a Nigerian national. On December 13, 2024, the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) led a delegation to witness the first proceedings at the Regional Magistrate Court in Alexandra, where the four individuals accused of his death were brought before the court. The case was initially heard in Court 1 but was later moved to Regional Court 2 for a more detailed bail hearing.
The prosecution opposed the bail application of the first defendant, a Zimbabwean national, citing the need to verify his legal status in South Africa. The state prosecutor received the defendant’s identification document just prior to the hearing. Defence attorneys for two of the accused brought attention to their clients’ health issues, with one defendant suffering from diabetes and another from asthma. Magistrate Boshoff assured that necessary medical documentation would be provided to ensure the accused had access to their required medications in custody.
Despite defense arguments urging for immediate bail due to the medical conditions, Magistrate Boshoff rejected the applications, referring to Section 50(6) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, which mandates a thorough background check before bail can be granted.
Barrister Smart Nwobi, the President-General of NUSA, led the legal team, which included attorneys Anthonia Ndubuisi and Elsie Ogounga, along with a consular officer from the Nigerian High Commission, Mr. Buhari Daura. The presence of these officials, alongside members of the Nigerian community, underscored the case’s importance to the Nigerian diaspora in South Africa.
After the hearing, Barrister Nwobi addressed the Nigerian community, urging them to register with NUSA, integrate into local communities, and abide by the law. He assured the public that NUSA’s legal team would continue to monitor the case closely to ensure justice for Julius, who died after a fatal beating.
Nwobi also called on South African authorities, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Judiciary, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to take swift action and deliver visible justice in this case, sending a strong message against such violence and promoting safety for the Nigerian community in South Africa.
The case has been adjourned to December 18, 2024, for the formal bail hearing.
