FG demands probe as Nigerian dies during South African police operation
The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has called for investigation and condemned the killing of a Nigerian national, Ibeh Chika Simon, during a South African Police Service operation in Bellville, Cape Town.
The Consulate, in a statement dated July 25 and obtained by the news media on Sunday, expressed concern over the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who is currently receiving treatment for severe injuries sustained during the operation on July 23.
One of the videos obtained showed a body lying on the ground with several people gathered around as a voice cries out in pain and anguish.
Another clip showed the body wrapped in white and placed on a stretcher before being wheeled into an ambulance.
A separate video captured a crowd gathered outside while South African police officers stood opposite them as one visibly distressed man confronted the officers.
He said, “You do not have any right to take somebody’s life; it’s not nice. We lost our brother; you guys must give him life to wake up.
“The only thing that can solve this thing: you guys must wake that guy up to be alive again. There is no solution for those people that are involved; they can also come out. Let’s take a gun and shoot all of them once.
“Justice must be served. You people cannot come here and treat us like animals. How can you come here and kill somebody? They are treating us like animals. This is not how the police work. If you want to do your work, you do your work, not kill somebody.”
Reacting to the killing, the consulate statement read, “The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Johannesburg strongly condemns the death of Nigerian national Ibeh Chika Simon, under questionable circumstances, during a South African Police Service operation on 23rd July 2026 in Bellville, Cape Town.”
The mission added, “We are deeply appalled by reports of the egregious police tactics that led to his death, as well as the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who remains under treatment with severe injuries.”
According to the Consulate, the incident underscores “an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings/deaths and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals.”
It further stated that “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 Nigerian mission called on the South African authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.
It said, “We demand an immediate, transparent, and unsparing investigation by South African authorities. Perpetrators must be held accountable.”
The Consulate stressed that while Nigerians in South Africa are expected to obey the country’s laws, allegations of wrongdoing should not result in unlawful killings.
It stated, “While we consistently insist that all Nigerians respect the laws of South Africa, no alleged offence justifies execution-style enforcement or unacceptable operational techniques. Suspects are entitled to due process in a court of law; no authority should be above it.”
The mission extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured Nigerian a speedy recovery.
It also appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain peaceful while pursuing justice through legal and diplomatic channels.
According to the statement, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of late Mr Ibeh Chika Simon and wish Mr Egwabor Patrick Chuks a full recovery.
“We urge all Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant as we continue to demand justice through all official channels.”
No fewer than 1,490 Nigerians have been brought back to Nigeria by the Nigerian authorities over xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
