RismadarVoice Reporters
July 27, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg, has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the killing of a Nigerian, Ibeh Chika Simon, during a South African Police Service (SAPS) operation in Bellville, Cape Town.
In a statement dated July 25, the Nigerian mission condemned the incident, describing the circumstances surrounding Simon’s death as questionable and expressing concern over the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who is currently receiving treatment for severe injuries sustained during the July 23 operation.
The Consulate described the incident as deeply disturbing and raised concerns over what it called a pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings and misconduct involving foreign nationals in South Africa.
“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 23rd July 2026 in Bellville, Cape Town,” the statement read.
It added, “We are deeply appalled by reports of the egregious police tactics that led to his death, as well as the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who remains under treatment with severe injuries.”
The Nigerian mission said the incident comes amid growing anti-foreign sentiment in South Africa and reflects what it described as a disturbing disregard for the rights to life, dignity and due process guaranteed under South African law.
The Consulate demanded that South African authorities conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
“We demand an immediate, transparent, and unsparing investigation by South African authorities. Perpetrators must be held accountable,” it stated.
While reiterating that Nigerians living in South Africa are expected to obey the country’s laws, the mission stressed that allegations of wrongdoing do not justify unlawful killings or excessive use of force.
It noted that suspects should be subjected to due process through the courts rather than “execution-style enforcement” or other unlawful operational methods.
The Consulate extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured Nigerian a speedy recovery.
It also urged members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and pursue justice through legal and diplomatic channels.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of late Mr Ibeh Chika Simon and wish Mr Egwabor Patrick Chuks a full recovery,” the statement said.
The latest incident follows the recent deaths of two other Nigerians in South Africa. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emeka Charles Iroegbu was allegedly killed by police officers during an interrogation on June 28, while unidentified assailants reportedly killed businessman Musa Yunana Joe on the same day.
Nigeria has repeatedly raised concerns over attacks targeting its citizens in South Africa. Meanwhile, the Federal Government evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from the country following waves of anti-foreigner violence.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have consistently condemned attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. At the same time, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has said the Federal Government would seek compensation for Nigerians forced to abandon their businesses and livelihoods due to recurring anti-African violence.
