South African authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a Nigerian man who collapsed during a police operation in Cape Town, amid growing concerns over the treatment of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.
Ibeh Chika Simon, 42, died on Thursday, July 23, during a police operation at an apartment complex in Parklands, Cape Town.
According to South Africa’s Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), officers were searching the property following information that a person there was allegedly in possession of drugs.
Police reportedly found substances suspected to be illegal drugs and an unlicensed firearm during the operation.
As officers moved to arrest Simon, he allegedly became unwell and collapsed. Emergency medical personnel were called but pronounced him dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding his death have raised questions, particularly after preliminary post-mortem findings revealed that Simon had sustained multiple bruises and abrasions to his back and chest.
IPID stressed that the findings were preliminary and that the exact cause of death had not yet been established.
Nigeria has called for a thorough and transparent investigation. Its Consulate General in Johannesburg described the circumstances of Simon’s death as questionable and expressed concern over what it called unacceptable police tactics.
The Nigerian mission also said another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, was seriously injured after being shot during the same operation and was receiving medical treatment. South African police, however, said they had no record of that reported shooting.
The investigation comes at a sensitive time in relations between Nigeria and South Africa, following heightened tensions over anti-immigrant sentiment and reports of violence against foreign nationals.
IPID said its investigation will focus on the circumstances surrounding Simon’s death and urged the public to allow the process to take its course.
No police officer has been arrested or charged so far.
Nigeria has urged its citizens in South Africa to remain calm while diplomatic and legal channels are used to seek justice.
