Probe launched after Nigerian man dies during arrest in Cape Town as diplomatic concerns grow.
South African authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a Nigerian man who collapsed while being arrested by police in Cape Town last week. The incident has drawn strong reactions from Nigerian officials and renewed concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa,
The deceased, identified as 42-year-old Ibeh Chika Simon, reportedly became unwell while officers were placing him under arrest. According to Western Cape police, paramedics were called to the scene after Simon collapsed, but he was declared dead shortly afterwards,
Preliminary post-mortem findings released by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) revealed that Simon sustained multiple bruises and abrasions on his back and chest. The watchdog is now investigating the circumstances surrounding his death,
Nigeria’s Consul General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, condemned the incident, describing her government as “deeply appalled” by reports of the police tactics that allegedly led to Simon’s death. She called for a transparent and impartial investigation,
Okey-Uche also expressed concern over what she described as an alarming pattern of unresolved deaths involving foreign nationals in South Africa. She stressed that every suspect is entitled to due process under the law and that no authority should be above legal accountability,
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reacted to the incident, with spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa describing Simon’s death as a deeply unfortunate situation. Nigerian officials say they will continue monitoring the investigation closely,
South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration confirmed that the case is under investigation. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said some foreign nationals had allegedly resisted law enforcement officers during the operation in Cape Town, though the investigation will determine the full circumstances,
The incident comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between South Africa and several African countries over allegations of xenophobic violence. Earlier this month, authorities confirmed the death of another Nigerian, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, under similar circumstances. That case is also being investigated by IPID,
Relations have also been strained with Ghana following allegations that a Ghanaian national was killed during anti-migrant protests. Ghana has repatriated hundreds of its citizens from South Africa and two Ghanaian nationals have petitioned the International Criminal Court to investigate alleged attacks on migrants. South Africa has rejected the petition, insisting its legal system is capable of handling such cases,
The recent incidents have prompted ECOWAS leaders to condemn reported attacks on African migrants and urge South African authorities to strengthen protections for foreign nationals. President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected xenophobia and called on citizens not to take the law into their own hands, while investigations into Simon’s death continue.
