Key facts
- South African authorities are investigating the death of Nigerian national Ibeh Chika Simon, 42, who collapsed during an arrest in Cape Town.
South African authorities are investigating the death of Ibeh Chika Simon, 42, who collapsed during an arrest in Cape Town. Post-mortem results indicated multiple bruises and abrasions. This is the second such incident involving a Nigerian national this month, raising concerns about police conduct and extrajudicial killings.
The investigation into the death of Ibeh Chika Simon highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa, potentially exacerbating existing diplomatic tensions between South Africa and Nigeria.
South African authorities are investigating the death of a 42-year-old Nigerian man, Ibeh Chika Simon, who collapsed while being arrested by police in Cape Town last week. Preliminary post-mortem results indicated that Simon sustained multiple bruises and abrasions on his back and chest. Nigerian diplomat Ninikanwa Okey-Uche expressed deep concern, calling for a transparent investigation and alleging an "alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings/deaths and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals."
Western Cape police stated that officers were conducting a search at a home where they found an unlicensed firearm and suspected drugs. As they moved to arrest Simon, he allegedly became unwell and collapsed. Paramedics were called, and he was declared deceased at the scene. This incident marks the second time this month a Nigerian national has died under similar circumstances during a police operation in South Africa.
Nigeria's foreign ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, described the event as "a very unfortunate situation." The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is leading the investigation into Simon's death. Additionally, Ipid is investigating the death of another Nigerian, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, in June, also allegedly at the hands of South African police. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, acknowledged that some foreign nationals were resisting law enforcement operations during the Cape Town incident.