news 27 July 2026 Nile Post
South Africa Investigates Death of Nigerian Man During Arrest
Authorities in South Africa are investigating the death of a 42-year-old Nigerian man, Ibeh Chika Simon, who collapsed while being arrested by police in Cape Town. Initial post-mortem results indicated Simon sustained multiple bruises and abrasions. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/359589/south-africa-investigates-death-of-nigerian-who-collapsed-during-arrest
South African authorities have launched an investigation into the death of Ibeh Chika Simon, a 42-year-old Nigerian national who collapsed during an arrest in Cape Town. The incident occurred last week when police were executing a search warrant at a residence, during which an unlicensed firearm and suspected drugs were found.
According to police reports, Simon became unwell and collapsed as officers attempted to place him under arrest. Paramedics were called to the scene but declared him deceased. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is leading the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Initial post-mortem findings revealed that Simon sustained “multiple bruises and abrasions on his back and chest,” as reported by an independent body overseeing police conduct. These findings have fueled concerns from Nigerian officials.
Nigeria’s Consul General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, expressed deep dismay over the incident, calling for a transparent investigation and highlighting what she described as an “alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings/deaths and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals.”
Simon’s death occurs amidst ongoing tensions between South Africa and Nigeria, fueled by allegations of xenophobic violence targeting Nigerians. This follows the confirmed death of another Nigerian in June under similar circumstances, which Ipid is also investigating.
While Western Cape police stated there was no record of another Nigerian national, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, being shot during the same operation and hospitalized with injuries, as alleged by Nigerian diplomats, the investigation is expected to clarify all details. The South African government has reiterated its stance against xenophobia, racism, and intolerance, while acknowledging migration concerns and urging citizens to respect the rule of law.