A Nigerian businessman popularly known as Big Joe has reportedly been shot dead outside his shop in Witbank (Emalahleni), Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, amid growing concerns over rising anti-foreigner tensions in parts of the country.
According to eyewitnesses, the businessman was standing outside his business premises when unidentified gunmen allegedly approached and opened fire multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Graphic videos circulating on social media reportedly showed the victim lying in a pool of blood as residents and fellow traders rushed to the scene. He was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
The killing comes against the backdrop of increasing anxiety among foreign nationals following reports that some anti-foreigner groups had issued a June 30 ultimatum calling on foreigners to close their businesses and leave certain communities.
Members of the Nigerian community in South Africa have expressed concern that the incident could further heighten fear among Nigerians living in areas such as Witbank, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, where reports of xenophobic threats have circulated in recent weeks.
In other news… It was a moment of celebration for Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe as her son, Juwon Gentry, whom she shares with her former husband, Lanre Gentry, graduated from secondary school.
The proud mother marked the occasion on Saturday, June 27, 2026, by posting a video from the graduation ceremony on her social media pages.
In one of the clips, she was seen deeply emotional, breaking down in tears while seated beside her husband, Kazim Adeoti, as she watched her son’s big achievement unfold.
After the ceremony, Mercy expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for how far she has come, especially in raising her two children.
According to her, the occasion meant more than just a graduation, as it served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness every step of the way.
She wrote in her caption:
“Not every victory comes with applause. Some victories come with quiet tears of gratitude. Today, watching my son graduate from secondary school, I couldn’t help but thank God for how far we’ve come. As a mother who raised two children through God’s grace, I know the prayers, sacrifices , fears and hope that brought us to this moment. Today is more than a graduation for me, it’s a reminder that God has been faithful every step of the way
To him be all the glory, honor and adoration … my heart is so full of thanksgiving Congratulations, my son @olajuwon.gentry i couldn’t be prouder,”
