Nigeria Presses South Africa for Answers Over Citizen’s Death in Police Operation

The Federal Government has called on South African authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of a Nigerian citizen during a police operation in the country. The demand follows reports that the Nigerian was killed in an incident involving South African law enforcement, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding the operation.

The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of a Nigerian citizen, Ibeh Chika Simon, during a South African Police Service operation in Bellville, Cape Town, describing the circumstances surrounding his death as disturbing and questionable.

In a statement dated July 25 and obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday, the Consulate also expressed deep concern over the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who sustained serious injuries during the July 23 operation and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Videos obtained by The PUNCH captured the aftermath of the incident. One clip showed Simon’s body lying on the ground while a crowd gathered around the scene, as cries of anguish and distress could be heard in the background.

The Consulate called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and urged the relevant South African authorities to ensure that justice is served. Reacting to the incident, the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Johannesburg strongly condemned the killing of Nigerian national,

Ibeh Chika Simon, describing the circumstances surrounding his death as deeply troubling. 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 July 23, 2026, in Bellville, Cape Town.”

The mission also expressed outrage over reports that another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, was shot during the same operation and remains hospitalized with severe injuries.

“We are deeply appalled by reports of the egregious police tactics that led to Simon’s death, as well as the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who remains under treatment with severe injuries,” the statement added.

According to the Consulate, the incident highlights “an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals.”

It further warned that, amid growing Afrophobic sentiment, such actions demonstrate “a troubling disregard for the fundamental rights to life, dignity, and due process guaranteed by South African law to all human beings.”

Videos obtained by The PUNCH captured the aftermath of the fatal shooting. One clip showed Simon’s lifeless body lying on the ground as a crowd gathered around, while anguished voices could be heard crying out in grief and disbelief over the incident.