Nigerian Consulate condemns killing of Nigerian national in South African police operation
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has strongly condemned the death of Nigerian national Ibeh Chika Simon during a South African Police Service operation in Bellville, Cape Town, on July 23. The Consulate described the circumstances surrounding his death as questionable and expressed deep concern over the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who sustained severe injuries in the same operation. The Nigerian mission called for an immediate, transparent, and unsparing investigation by South African authorities, demanding accountability for the perpetrators. The Consulate stated that this incident highlights an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings and misconduct against foreign nationals, especially amid rising Afrophobic sentiment. While urging Nigerians in South Africa to obey laws, the Consulate stressed that no alleged offense justifies execution-style enforcement. The mission extended condolences to Simon's family and wished Chuks a speedy recovery, appealing to Nigerians in South Africa to remain peaceful while pursuing justice through legal and diplomatic channels. This incident follows other recent killings of Nigerians in South Africa, including Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, and previous evacuations of Nigerians due to anti-African sentiment.
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