The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of a Nigerian citizen, Ibeh Chika Simon, during an operation carried out by the South African Police Service in Bellville, Cape Town, describing the circumstances surrounding the incident as questionable.
In a statement dated July 25 and obtained by journalists on Sunday, the Consulate also expressed concern over the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who is currently receiving treatment for severe injuries sustained during the police operation on July 23.
Videos obtained by journalists captured the aftermath of the incident. One clip showed Simon’s body lying on the ground as several people gathered nearby while cries of grief could be heard in the background. Another showed his body wrapped in white and placed on a stretcher before being taken away in an ambulance.
A separate video showed a crowd confronting South African police officers, with one visibly distressed man condemning the killing.
He said, “You do not have any right to take somebody’s life; it’s not nice. We lost our brother; you guys must give him life to wake up.
The only thing that can solve this thing: you guys must wake that guy up to be alive again. There is no solution for those people that are involved; they can also come out. Let’s take a gun and shoot all of them once.”
“Justice must be served. You people cannot come here and treat us like animals. How can you come here and kill somebody? They are treating us like animals. This is not how the police work. If you want to do your work, you do your work, not kill somebody.”
Responding to the incident, the Consulate stated, “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 mission further said, “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.”
According to the Consulate, the incident highlights “an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings/deaths and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals.”
It added that, “Amid rising Afrophobic sentiment, such actions reveal a troubling disregard for the fundamental rights to life, dignity, and due process guaranteed by South African law to all human beings.”
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The Nigerian mission called on South African authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation into the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
It said, “We demand an immediate, transparent, and unsparing investigation by South African authorities. Perpetrators must be held accountable.”
The Consulate emphasised that although Nigerians residing in South Africa are expected to comply with the country’s laws, allegations of criminal conduct should never result in unlawful killings.
It stated, “While we consistently insist that all Nigerians respect the laws of South Africa, no alleged offence justifies execution-style enforcement or unacceptable operational techniques. Suspects are entitled to due process in a court of law; no authority should be above it.”
The mission also sympathised with the family of the deceased and wished the injured Nigerian a quick recovery while urging members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to remain calm and seek justice through lawful and diplomatic means.
According to the statement, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of late Mr Ibeh Chika Simon and wish Mr Egwabor Patrick Chuks a full recovery.
“We urge all Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant as we continue to demand justice through all official channels.”
The latest incident comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa. It was recently reported that two Nigerians lost their lives in separate incidents in the country.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emeka Charles Iroegbu was “reportedly killed” on June 28 by police officers who allegedly used “gruesome interrogation techniques,” while shop owner Musa Yunana Joe was killed by unidentified assailants on the same day.
The Federal Government had also evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven batches following previous waves of Afrophobic attacks.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have condemned the attacks. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has said the Federal Government will seek compensation from South African authorities for Nigerians who lost their homes, businesses and years of hard work after being forced to return home because of anti-African sentiment.