The Federal Government has demanded a thorough investigation into the death of a Nigerian, Ibeh Chika Simon, during a South African Police Service (SAPS) operation in Cape Town. According to Punch News, another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, was shot during the operation and is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries.
Nigeria’s Consulate General in Johannesburg condemned the incident and called for a transparent investigation, insisting that no suspected offence justifies the use of excessive force and that all suspects deserve due process.
The consulate urged South African authorities to ensure anyone found responsible is held accountable.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) alleged that the deceased was beaten, tortured and suffocated during the operation. However, SAPS said officers were carrying out a raid over suspected drug-related activities when the man suddenly became unresponsive. Police said emergency responders were called immediately, and the matter was referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
IPID has confirmed it is investigating the incident and will examine witness statements, video evidence, forensic findings and post-mortem results before determining whether the officers acted unlawfully.
The incident raises Nigeria’s officially confirmed death toll in South Africa this year to five, according to the Nigerian consulate. It also comes amid renewed concerns over attacks on African migrants in South Africa, with Nigerian and Ghanaian officials recently calling for the issue of “Afrophobia” to be addressed at the next African Union summit.
Source: Punch News.
