Two Nigerians, identified by their first names Austin and Ayo, were fatally shot by unknown assailants in Durban, South Africa.
It was learnt that the tragic incident occurred around 8 p.m. when three masked gunmen stormed Austin’s business premises.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers burst into the office and opened fire immediately after entering, killing both men on the spot.
A friend of the victims, who gave his name as Fidelis, told PUNCH via phone on Monday that the attackers did not say a word before firing the fatal shots.
“Austin ran a car dealership and also sold tyres in Durban. Ayo had come to see him at the shop that evening. They were talking when three masked men suddenly entered. Without speaking, they pulled out their guns and shot them both,” Fidelis recounted.
He added that a few customers who were inside the shop at the time managed to flee upon seeing the gunmen.
Nearby residents reportedly heard gunshots and later saw the armed men flee the scene.
Efforts to save the victims proved unsuccessful, as doctors confirmed them dead on arrival at the hospital.
A separate source in Nigeria, who is familiar with the situation, shared Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage of the shooting with PUNCH Metro.
The footage reportedly showed the two victims chatting moments before the attack. Austin was shot at close range, while Ayo was targeted as he attempted to escape.
“We only found out about what happened several days later. There are rumors that the incident might be linked to a business disagreement, but nothing has been confirmed. The police claim to be investigating, but so far, no one has been arrested,” the source said.
Efforts to get comments from the spokesperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdulrahman Balogun, were unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to him went unanswered as of the time this report was filed.