Concerns have emerged over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa after the Federal Government demanded an urgent investigation into the death of a Nigerian citizen during a police operation.
Moreover, Nigerian officials have urged South African authorities to act quickly and ensure those responsible are brought to justice if found guilty.
The latest incident comes at a time when concerns over attacks on Nigerians in South Africa continue to grow.
Furthermore, officials warned that repeated reports of violence could further strain public confidence unless decisive action is taken.
According to the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, the incident happened on July 23 in Bellville, Cape Town.
The victim was identified as Ibeh Chika Simon.
Videos that surfaced over the weekend appeared to show South African police officers assaulting the Nigerian man during an operation.
The footage also appeared to show officers using what looked like a polyethylene bag around the victim while he repeatedly pleaded his innocence over an unclear matter.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has strongly condemned the incident.
In a statement signed by the Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the Nigerian mission described the circumstances surrounding the death as deeply disturbing.
The statement also revealed that another Nigerian, identified as Egwabor Patrick Chuks, sustained severe injuries after being shot during a separate incident.
The Consulate said:
“We are deeply appalled by reports of the egregious police tactics that led to his death, as well as the shooting of another Nigerian, EGWABOR PATRICK CHUKS, who remains under treatment with severe injuries.”
Furthermore, the Nigerian mission expressed concern that the latest case reflects a wider pattern of unresolved incidents involving foreign nationals.
According to the statement:
“This tragic event highlights an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings/deaths and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals.”
The Consulate also linked the incident to growing concerns over anti-foreigner sentiments.
It added:
“Amid rising afrophobic sentiment, such actions reveal a troubling disregard for the fundamental rights to life, dignity, and due process guaranteed by South African law to all human beings.”
The Nigerian government therefore called for an immediate investigation.
It stressed that those responsible should face justice if the allegations are confirmed.
According to the statement:
“We demand an immediate, transparent, and unsparing investigation by South African authorities. Perpetrators must be held accountable.”
Officials also maintained that every suspect deserves a fair hearing before the law.
The statement further noted:
“Suspects are entitled to due process in a court of law; no authority should be above it.”
Meanwhile, the incident has added to growing concerns over the welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa.
Official records indicate that this brings the number of reported Nigerian deaths in South Africa to five.
However, some Nigerians who have returned home believe the actual number could be much higher.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had only recently confirmed the deaths of two other Nigerians following renewed tensions involving African migrants in South Africa.
Government officials believe stronger regional cooperation is needed to address attacks against African migrants across the continent.
