The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has confirmed the death of another Nigerian citizen in South Africa, raising the tally of Nigerians killed since the latest wave of xenophobic violence began in April to five. The deceased, identified as Ibeh Simon, died under questionable circumstances during a police operation.
Details of the Latest Incident
According to a statement from the consulate on Saturday, Mr Simon died on 23 July in Bellville, Cape Town, during an operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS). The same incident also left another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick, seriously injured after being shot by police. He is currently receiving medical treatment.
The consulate expressed deep dismay, stating: “We are deeply appalled by reports of the egregious police tactics that led to his death, as well as the shooting of Chuks…who remains under treatment with severe injuries. This tragic event highlights an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings/deaths and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals.”
Pattern of Violence
Since April, at least five Nigerians have been killed in South Africa under violent circumstances, often involving security forces. The previous victims include Amaramiro Emmanuel, Ekpenyong Andrew, Emeka Iroegbu, and Musa Joe.
Mr Emmanuel and Mr Andrew were killed in April – Mr Emmanuel allegedly by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Port Elizabeth, and Mr Andrew by Tshwane Metro Police in Pretoria. Mr Andrew’s body was later found at the Pretoria Central Mortuary after his arrest on 19 April. In June, Mr Iroegbu was allegedly tortured to death by Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, while Mr Joe was killed by suspected criminals in Witbank, Mpumalanga province.
Demands for Justice
The Nigerian Consulate has reiterated its demand for an immediate and transparent investigation into these killings. It stressed that perpetrators must be held accountable. “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 consulate noted.
No arrests have been made in connection with any of the deaths, and investigations remain pending. The latest incident has further strained relations, following the arbitrary 30 June deadline for African foreigners to leave South Africa. Several African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, have repatriated their citizens from South Africa amid the ongoing violence.
