South Africa is investigating the death of a Nigerian national who collapsed during an arrest operation in Cape Town last Thursday. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), a watchdog body, has confirmed it is looking into the incident.
Paramedics were called to the scene after the individual, identified as Simon, collapsed as officers moved to arrest him. He was declared deceased at the scene. Initial reports from a post-mortem examination revealed abrasions on his back and chest, according to investigators.
South Africa's Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, stated during a public update on Sunday that "some foreign nationals" had been resisting law enforcement operations during the police activity. The committee also confirmed the matter was under investigation.
This incident follows a previous report in June by Nigeria's foreign ministry concerning the death of another Nigerian, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, who also allegedly died at the hands of South African police. Ipid is reportedly investigating that incident as well.
Nigeria's foreign ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, described the recent event as "a very unfortunate situation."
The South African government has reiterated its stance against xenophobia, racism, homophobia, and all forms of discrimination. President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged concerns regarding migration while urging citizens not to engage in vigilantism.
These events occur amidst broader diplomatic tensions and concerns over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa. Earlier, diplomatic friction arose between South Africa and Ghana following allegations that a Ghanaian man died during anti-migrant protests, claims that South African officials have disputed. Ghana was among the first African nations to repatriate its citizens from South Africa during a recent surge in anti-migrant sentiment.
Two Ghanaian nationals have petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged attacks against migrants in South Africa, asserting a pattern of "widespread and systematic attacks" that they argue could constitute crimes against humanity. The South African government has dismissed the petition as "opportunistic," stating it does not meet the ICC's legal threshold and that domestic courts are capable of handling such cases. The ICC has not yet commented on whether it will consider the petition.
Leaders from the West African regional bloc Ecowas recently condemned reported attacks on African migrants in South Africa. Nigeria and Ghana also raised the issue at a summit in Sierra Leone, calling for prompt action from South African authorities to protect foreign nationals.