Nigerian Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle Shot Dead in SA

On September 4, 2026, Bishop Taiwo Michael Fakunle, a 58-year-old Nigerian cleric and founder of Settled Word Leadership and Theological Seminary in South Africa, was shot dead at his residence in Kensington, Johannesburg. The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) reported the incident, stating that two unidentified suspects gained access to the bishop's home and shot him multiple times.

The motive for the attack and the method by which the suspects entered the residence remain unclear. NICASA National President, Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, confirmed that the association has notified the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg about the incident.

A murder case has been opened at Jeppe Police Station, where South African authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the cleric's death. NICASA has urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.