During a recent arrest attempt, a Nigerian national identified as Simon reportedly collapsed. Despite the arrival of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
On Monday, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, a spokesperson for Nigeria’s foreign ministry, characterized the incident as “a very unfortunate situation” during a conversation with the BBC.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
During a public update regarding migration management strategies on Sunday, South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration also confirmed that an investigation into the matter is underway.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, chairperson of the committee, noted that during a police operation in Cape Town last Thursday, “some foreign nationals… were resisting law enforcement operations.”
This incident follows a similar report from Nigeria’s foreign ministry in June, regarding the death of Emeka Charles Iroegbu, which was also allegedly caused by South African police. Ipid is currently investigating that case as well.
Diplomatic friction between South Africa and Ghana has increased following allegations that a Ghanaian man was killed during anti-migrant protests in South Africa—claims that South African officials have denied.
Ghana was the first African nation to repatriate its citizens from South Africa during the recent surge of anti-migrant unrest.
Furthermore, two Ghanaian nationals have filed a petition with the International Criminal Court (ICC) requesting an investigation into alleged attacks on migrants in South Africa. The petition claims there is a “pattern of widespread and systematic attacks” against foreign nationals, suggesting the violence could constitute crimes against humanity.
The South African government has dismissed the ICC petition as “opportunistic,” maintaining that it fails to meet the necessary legal threshold and asserting that domestic courts are equipped to handle such matters. The ICC has yet to comment on whether it will review the request.
Last week, Ecowas leaders condemned the reported violence against African migrants in South Africa, following concerns raised by Nigeria and Ghana at a summit in Sierra Leone. The regional bloc called for swift action from South African authorities to ensure the protection of foreign nationals.
While South Africa has stated that it “categorically reject[s] xenophobia, racism, homophobia, and intolerance and discrimination in all their manifestations,” President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged migration-related anxieties but urged the public to avoid vigilantism.
