The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa has condemned the reported death of Nigerian national Chika Ibe during an operation involving members of the South African Police Service.
NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu called for an independent investigation into the incident in a statement released on Friday.
Ibe, who was from Lokpaukwu in Abia State, reportedly died on Thursday at the Parksig Villas Complex in Bellville, Cape Town.
According to the association, he was allegedly assaulted, tortured, subjected to degrading treatment and suffocated during the police operation.
Onyekwelu described the allegations as deeply troubling, saying that, if established, the reported actions would amount to serious violations of human rights and the rule of law.
He urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and the leadership of the South African Police Service to immediately open a transparent and comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Ibe’s death.
The NICASA president said any police officer found responsible after the investigation should face prosecution in accordance with South African law.
He maintained that torture, excessive use of force and the unlawful taking of life could not be justified under any circumstances.
Onyekwelu appealed to Nigerians living across South Africa to remain calm and allow the appropriate investigative and judicial institutions to handle the matter.
He discouraged retaliation, violence or other unlawful conduct by members of the Nigerian community amid anger and grief over the incident.
The association also extended condolences to Ibe’s relatives, friends and other people affected by his death.
Onyekwelu said NICASA would work with Nigerian diplomatic missions in South Africa and the Federal Government to ensure that the case received sustained attention.
He pledged that the organisation would monitor the investigation and continue demanding transparency, accountability and the timely prosecution of anyone found culpable.
The NICASA president also commended the association’s Western Cape provincial leadership for responding promptly to the incident and providing support to Ibe’s family.
He said the organisation remained committed to protecting the rights, dignity and safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
Onyekwelu added that no individual or institution should be above the law and called for justice in all cases involving alleged police brutality.
NICASA said it would continue to engage the relevant authorities until the circumstances of Ibe’s death were fully established and appropriate action taken.
