South Africa investigates death of Nigerian who collapsed during arrest

What the report says

BBC Africa reports that South African authorities are investigating the death of Ibeh Chika Simon, a 42-year-old Nigerian man who collapsed during a police arrest in Cape Town last week. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate, which examines police conduct, said early post-mortem findings indicated Simon had multiple bruises and abrasions on his back and chest. Western Cape police said officers were searching a property when they found an unlicensed firearm and suspected drugs, and that Simon became unwell and collapsed as he was being arrested. Paramedics were called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nigeria’s consul general in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, said Nigeria was deeply concerned by reports about police tactics and called for a transparent investigation. She also alleged a broader pattern of unresolved deaths and misconduct involving foreign nationals, and said another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, was reportedly shot during the same operation and seriously injured. Western Cape police told the BBC there was no record of that reported shooting.

The case comes amid strained relations and public tension over the treatment of Nigerians and other migrants in South Africa. BBC Africa notes that South African authorities earlier this month confirmed another Nigerian, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, died in June in allegedly similar circumstances; Ipid is also investigating that matter. Nigeria’s foreign ministry described Simon’s death as very unfortunate, while South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration confirmed the Cape Town incident is under investigation. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said some foreign nationals had resisted law enforcement during the operation.