Public outrage has trailed the alleged killing of a Nigerian, Chika Ibe, by members of the South African Police Service in Cape Town.
Amid xenophobic violence sweeping through South Africa in recent months, Mr Ibe died on Thursday during a police operation at Parksig Villas in Bellville, Cape Town, prompting the Nigerian community to demand answers from law enforcement.
A viral video of Mr Ibe being carried into a van in a body bag emerged on social media on Friday. A voice could be heard in the video lamenting the killing of the Nigerian.
“Your African brother, see where you people end his life. End his life in plastic for what? Is it hatred? Look at him. Let’s clap for you guys, thank you very much. The mission is finished,” the voice said.
South African authorities are yet to officially speak on Mr Ibe’s murder amid lingering xenophobic attacks that have forced thousands of African immigrants to flee South Africa for their lives.
The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the killing of Mr Ibe by officials of the South African Police Service (SAPS), demanding an investigation into the matter.
NICASA president Frank Onyekwelu said, “Mr Chika Ibe, who hailed from Lokpaukwu, Abia State, Nigeria, reportedly died after being subjected to severe beating, torture, inhuman treatment, and alleged suffocation during a police operation.
“These allegations are deeply disturbing and, if confirmed, constitute a gross violation of human rights and the rule of law.”
He added, “NICASA calls on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and the leadership of SAPS to immediately institute an independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into this incident.
“Every officer found responsible must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There can be no justification for torture, excessive force, or the unlawful taking of human life.”
