The Nigerian community in South Africa is demanding answers following the death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe during a South African Police Service (SAPS) operation in Bellville, Cape Town, on Thursday, 23 July.
The incident has sparked outrage within the community, with the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) alleging that Ibe died after being assaulted by police officers during the operation.
SAPS has denied the allegation, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has launched an investigation.
According to NICASA, Ibe was subjected to severe beatings, torture and suffocation before his death. The organisation has called on IPID and SAPS to ensure that the investigation is independent, transparent and comprehensive, arguing that only a credible inquiry will establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
A video circulating widely on social media, which appears to show Ibe’s body being placed into a police vehicle in a body bag, has further fuelled public anger and calls for accountability.
One Nation Media has not independently verified the circumstances depicted in the footage.
SAPS has rejected claims that its officers assaulted Ibe.
Police said members of the Public Order Policing Unit and Crime Intelligence were conducting a search operation at an apartment complex after receiving information that a suspect was allegedly dealing drugs. Officers said substances believed to be illegal drugs were recovered during the operation.
According to SAPS, Ibe became unresponsive while officers were conducting the search. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, where he was declared dead.
The matter was subsequently referred to IPID, the statutory body responsible for investigating deaths involving police action.
In a statement, IPID said preliminary post-mortem findings revealed multiple bruises and abrasions on Ibe’s back and chest.
However, the directorate stressed that the exact cause of death had not yet been determined, with forensic examinations and further investigations still under way.
The incident has also prompted a response from the Nigerian government.
Nigeria’s Consulate General in Johannesburg expressed concern over what it described as the death of one of its citizens under questionable circumstances and called for a thorough and impartial investigation.
The Nigerian government has urged South African authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable in accordance with the law.
Ibe’s death comes amid heightened tensions over migration in South Africa. Recent government operations targeting undocumented migrants, coupled with growing anti-foreigner sentiment in some communities, have raised concerns among migrant groups about policing, due process and personal safety.
NICASA said the circumstances surrounding Ibe’s death had deepened anxiety within the Nigerian community and warned that public confidence could only be restored through a transparent investigation and accountability where warranted.
The organisation has urged authorities to establish the facts without delay, while IPID has appealed to the public to allow investigators to complete their work before drawing conclusions.
No police officers have been charged, and IPID’s investigation remains ongoing.
