Nigerian Man Shot Dead During Drug Raid in South Africa

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A Nigerian man was shot dead during an anti-drug operation in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The incident occurred at Windsor East, Gauteng, and involved ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni Mayoral candidate, Councillor Xolani Khumalo.

According to eyewitnesses, the victim, identified as Rugert, was sleeping in his car when he was startled by a man standing on the vehicle’s bonnet. Believing he was about to be hijacked, Rugert allegedly panicked and attempted to drive away, and was shot in the process.

ActionSA confirmed the incident, stating that the shooting occurred during an anti-drug operation joined by Khumalo. “During an anti-drug operation yesterday, a shooting incident occurred in which a Nigerian suspect, identified as being involved in drug trafficking, was shot,” the party said in a statement.

Councillor Khumalo confirmed the shooting, saying, “I can confirm that there was a shooting incident during an anti-drug operation yesterday. A Nigerian suspect was shot.”

The operation was part of ActionSA’s campaign against drug trafficking and organised crime, which the party says has terrorised communities through violence and intimidation.