A Nigerian businessman known simply as Big Joe has reportedly been killed after coming under attack by armed men outside his business premises in Witbank (Emalahleni), Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
Eyewitnesses said the businessman was outside his shop when several unidentified gunmen allegedly arrived and opened fire on him repeatedly before escaping from the scene.
The tragic killing has thrown the Nigerian community in South Africa into mourning, with many expressing grief over the loss of the businessman, who was reportedly a familiar and respected figure among fellow traders.
Not long after reports of the shooting emerged, graphic videos from the scene began making the rounds on various social media platforms.
The footage captured Big Joe lying lifeless in a pool of blood outside his shop as stunned residents and nearby business owners stood around the scene in shock.
Although people at the location reportedly tried to come to his aid, reports indicated that he died from the gunshot wounds at the scene.
As of the time this report was filed, authorities had not issued an official statement confirming the details surrounding the shooting or revealing the identities of those behind the attack.
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Here are some of the reactions from netizens to the video:
@iamdreamwork shared: “South Africans have engaged in this for many years, yet individuals still view them as lacking thought; they are even more problematic than what they aim to adopt. They are simply who they are.”
@poladehindeamoo commented: “I think are Government is very weak at responding to the killings and xenophobic attack against Nigerians maybe bcos they don’t care for lives. By now the S.A. government suppose be on massive sanction from Nigeria Government and just useless mouth warning. If there Government can’t stop them, they let Nigerians send S.A out of our country, let withdraw Nigeria support for them and let them pay out debt in 48 hours”
@cc.juliet stated: “This people are looking for war, seriously they wan problem and they will get it”
@fastlane_tires noted: “If they insist that you should leave their country, why remain there and put your life at risk? No place is worth dying for. If you have to relocate, it’s better to return to Nigeria alive than to lose your life trying to stay where you’re no longer wanted this is so sad”
