In brief
A Nigerian national collapsed while being arrested in Cape Town, the police claiming he became unwell as officers were placing him under arrest. A post‑mortem reported bruises and abrasions, but the incident has raised questions about police conduct and xenophobia. The Nigerian government condemned the “egregious” tactics and demanded a transparent probe, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate has opened an inquiry. The case reflects growing diplomatic friction over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.
A 42‑year‑old Nigerian was arrested in Cape Town last week when he collapsed and was declared dead on the scene. Police said the man, named Ibeh Chika Simon, became unwell while they were putting him under arrest.
A post‑mortem revealed multiple bruises and abrasions on his back and chest, but the circumstances of his death remain under scrutiny by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
Nigeria’s consul in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey‑Uche, described the incident as “deeply appalling” and called for a transparent investigation, citing a pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings of foreign nationals.
The death follows a June incident in which another Nigerian was killed under similar circumstances and a report that a Ghanaian man may have been shot during a police operation.
The South African government has rejected xenophobic accusations and pledged to protect all citizens, while the Western Cape police have said there is no record of a shooting in the current case.
The incident has inflamed diplomatic tension between South Africa and Nigeria and has prompted calls from the Ecowas region for swift action to ensure the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa.
