The Nigeria Union in South Africa on Tuesday lamented the shooting of a Nigerian businessman, Emeka Nwankwo, in Yeoville, Johannesburg.

The Public Relations Officer of the Union, Mr. Emeka Ezinteje, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg that the body had received the report of the incident.

He also said the Union had already reported the incident to the Consulate General of Nigeria in South Africa.

Ezinteje said: "The Nigeria Union, South Africa, has received with shock the shooting of a Nigerian businessman, Emeka Nwankwo, a native of Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Council of Anambra State.

"We have reported the incident to the South African Police and Nigerian Mission in South Africa.

"The Union had called on the South African police to investigate the incident and bring the culprits to book.

"We also told the police to ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out because similar reports made to them did not yield results."

Ezinteje, however, said the Union was happy that Nwankwo survived the shooting and was receiving treatment in the hospital.

"We also want to state that shooting of Nigerians in South Africa is becoming rampant and we want urgent action to be taken to stop it," he said.

A friend of the victim, Mr. Bonny Egeonu, said that Nwankwo was shot at his business outfit at about 11.48 pm on Saturday.

He said eyewitnesses saw two gunmen carry out the act and flee after the shooting.

Egeonu said Nwankwo was rushed to the hospital and was responding to treatment. (NAN)

•Photo shows South African President Jacob Zuma.