The growing tension surrounding the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa has taken another troubling turn following the arrest and detention of Joshua Awesome, a professional psychologist and Nigerian columnist with Business A.M., in a development that has renewed concerns over the security, legal status and treatment of foreigners living and working legitimately in the country.
The South Africa based human performance coach and team building consultant, who is reportedly being held at Pretoria Central Police Station, is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Monday for his first court appearance and formal bail application, following allegations by the South African authorities that he possesses illegal documents.
However, his family has strongly disputed the allegations, describing his arrest as unlawful and insisting that he possesses legitimate South African residency and identification documents, alongside a Nigerian passport.
The development comes against the backdrop of renewed xenophobic tensions and growing anxiety among foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly Nigerians, over their safety, economic participation and access to legal protection.
Awesome’s sister, Tolulope Awe, told Business A.M. that the columnist was arrested by South African police officers in front of a Department of Home Affairs office in Pretoria, where he had gone to complete biometric procedures connected with his South African passport application.
According to Awe, the arrest occurred despite Awesome allegedly presenting documents establishing his legal status and residency in South Africa.
“He was unfortunately illegally arrested by the South African police in front of Home Affairs where he went to file his biometric for his South African passport. He was arrested and charged, even after showing all his papers, which they claimed were fake,” Awe said.
She alleged that the authorities had subsequently brought what she described as false allegations against her brother, who remains in custody pending his court appearance.
The allegations of unlawful arrest and police misconduct have not been independently established, while the state’s claims concerning the authenticity of Awesome’s documents remain subject to judicial determination.
Awe said her brother had asked her to contact Business A.M. to explain his inability to submit his regular column and to draw attention to the circumstances surrounding his detention.
“So Joshua wanted me to reach out to you to first and foremost explain the reason he won’t be able to send his article. But also see if this story could be published,” he said.
The arrest has raised questions about the treatment of foreign nationals navigating immigration and citizenship procedures in South Africa, particularly where individuals claim to have complied with the requirements governing residency and documentation.
Business A.M. has been shown copies of Awesome’s South African permanent residency and identity document, as well as a driver’s licence and marriage certificate.
He is also reportedly married to a South African woman and has four children, and was pursuing the process of obtaining South African citizenship and a passport.
His family maintains that he possesses the documentation required to establish his legal status in the country, including Nigerian passports and South African residency-related documents.
Awe further alleged that her brother had discovered what he described as a pattern of police actions targeting foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians, through arrests connected with immigration documentation.
Among the documents presented to Business A.M. was a letter bearing the heading of the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria, dated July 29, 2026.
The document, addressed to South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, references provisions of the Nigerian Constitution relating to dual citizenship.
It states that Chapter III, Section 28(1) of the Nigerian Constitution permits dual citizenship for Nigerians who acquire Nigerian citizenship by birth.
The letter identifies the individual as Dr Awesome Joshua Oludare and requests that the South African authorities accord him the necessary assistance.
The document also outlines requirements associated with naturalisation applications, including completed immigration forms, fingerprint records, language testing, payment of applicable fees, permanent residency documentation, marriage certificates, passports and police clearances.
Other requirements listed include qualifications, birth certificates for minor children, permanent residency verification and evidence of compliance with applicable conditions.
South African authorities have yet to publicly respond to the allegations made by his family or clarify the specific documents they consider fraudulent.
Awesome’s detention has renewed attention on the implications of xenophobic hostility and immigration enforcement for foreign nationals who have established families, businesses and professional careers in South Africa.
South Africa remains a significant economic destination for migrants from across the African continent, including Nigerians involved in business, professional services, trade, technology and other commercial activities.
However, recurring xenophobic tensions have raised concerns about the risks faced by foreign residents and the potential consequences for investment, commercial confidence and regional economic integration.
