Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the killing of a Nigerian national, Ibeh Chika Simon, during a South African Police Service operation in Bellville, Cape Town, describing the circumstances surrounding his death as "questionable" and condemning what it called "egregious police tactics" that also left another Nigerian citizen hospitalised with severe injuries. The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, in a strongly worded statement, expressed deep alarm over the incident, which occurred on July 23, 2026, and warned that it reflected an "alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings/deaths and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals." The killing adds to a growing list of Nigerian citizens who have died in South Africa amid rising anti-migrant sentiment, bringing the total number of Nigerians killed in the country since the latest wave of xenophobic attacks began to five.
According to the consulate, Simon died during a SAPS operation in Bellville, Cape Town, on July 23, while another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, sustained serious gunshot injuries during the same operation and is currently receiving treatment. Videos obtained by The PUNCH showed the aftermath of the killing, including footage of a body lying on the ground with several people gathered around as a voice cries out in pain and anguish, and another clip showing the body wrapped in white and placed on a stretcher before being wheeled into an ambulance. A separate video captured a visibly distressed man confronting South African police officers, saying, "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 Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa has alleged that Simon, who hailed from Lokpaukwu in Abia State, was beaten and suffocated during the operation, though South African police have not confirmed these details.
In its statement, the consulate said it strongly condemns the death of Nigerian national Ibeh Chika Simon under questionable circumstances during a South African Police Service operation. The mission added that it is deeply appalled by reports of the egregious police tactics that led to his death, as well as the shooting of another Nigerian who remains under treatment with severe injuries. The consulate further stated that the incident underscores an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals, and warned 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 South African authorities to carry out a thorough investigation and demanded that perpetrators must be held accountable. While reiterating that Nigerians in South Africa are expected to obey the country's laws, the consulate stressed that no alleged offence justifies execution-style enforcement or unacceptable operational techniques, adding that suspects are entitled to due process in a court of law and no authority should be above it. The consulate extended condolences to Simon's family, wished Chuks a full recovery, and urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while pursuing justice through legal and diplomatic channels.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate, South Africa's civilian oversight body, has jurisdiction over the case, though it had not released a statement at the time of publication. The killing comes amid heightened tensions between South African authorities and Nigerian nationals living in the country, with ongoing public debate around crime and immigration policy. In recent weeks, two other Nigerians were reportedly killed, including Emeka Charles Iroegbu, who was allegedly tortured to death by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, and Musa Yunana Joe, who was shot and killed by unidentified attackers in Witbank, Mpumalanga. The Federal Government has continued to condemn anti-African violence and press for stronger protection of Nigerian citizens abroad. The latest incident is likely to further strain diplomatic relations between Abuja and Pretoria, as Nigeria presses for accountability and justice for its citizens in South Africa.
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