The Federal Government has urged South African authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of a Nigerian citizen during a police operation in Cape Town, describing the incident as deeply disturbing and calling for those responsible to face justice.
According to the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, the deceased, Ibeh Chika Simon, died during a police operation on July 23 in Bellville, Cape Town.
Videos that surfaced over the weekend appeared to show South African police officers assaulting Simon as he repeatedly pleaded his innocence during an incident whose circumstances remain unclear. The footage also appeared to show officers using what looked like a polyethylene bag to suffocate him during the operation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, condemned the incident, expressing shock over Simon’s death and noting that it came shortly after another Nigerian was shot and seriously injured.
“The statement said the consulate was deeply disturbed by reports that excessive police tactics led to Simon’s death, adding that another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, was shot and remains hospitalised with severe injuries.”
The consulate said the latest incident reflects what it described as a disturbing pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings and misconduct involving foreign nationals in South Africa.
It also raised concerns over growing anti-African sentiment, saying such actions undermine the fundamental rights to life, dignity and due process guaranteed under South African law.
Calling for immediate action, the Nigerian mission urged South African authorities to carry out a comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
The consulate further stressed that no allegation of wrongdoing justifies excessive force or execution-style policing, maintaining that every suspect is entitled to due process and a fair hearing before the law.
The latest incident brings the officially reported number of Nigerians who have died in South Africa to five, although some repatriated citizens have claimed the actual figure is higher.
Last month, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians in South Africa amid renewed tensions surrounding African migrants in the country.
Nigeria has also urged the African Union (AU) to place Afrophobia on the agenda of its next summit following a series of xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa.
Goodness Anunobi
