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Nigerian Consulate Accuses South African Police Of 'Execution-Style' Killing Of National, Demands Justice
Nigerian Consulate Accuses South African Police Of 'Execution-Style' Killing Of National, Demands Justice
NEWS
The Nigerian Record
7/28/20263 min read
The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has accused the South African Police Service (SAPS) of what it described as the "execution-style" killing of a Nigerian citizen, Ibeh Chika Simon, during an operation in Bellville, Cape Town, demanding an immediate investigation and accountability for those responsible.
In a statement issued by the Consul General, Amb. (Mrs.) Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, the Consulate said Simon died under "questionable circumstances" during a police operation conducted on July 23, 2026.
The Consulate also disclosed that another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, sustained severe gunshot injuries during the same operation and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Nigerian mission said it was "deeply appalled" by reports surrounding the incident, alleging that the police operation involved excessive force.
According to the Consulate, the incident reflects a disturbing trend of unresolved extrajudicial killings and misconduct involving foreign nationals in South Africa.
The Consulate further expressed concern that the development comes amid increasing Afrophobic sentiment, arguing that such actions demonstrate "a troubling disregard for the fundamental rights to life, dignity, and due process guaranteed by South African law to all human beings."
It called on South African authorities to launch what it described as an immediate, transparent, and uncompromising investigation into the incident.
"We demand an immediate, transparent, and unsparing investigation by South African authorities. Perpetrators must be held accountable," Okey-Uche stated.
While reiterating that Nigerians living in South Africa must continue to obey the country's laws, the Consulate insisted that no alleged criminal offence could justify what it termed execution-style policing.
"We consistently insist that all Nigerians respect the laws of South Africa, but no alleged offense justifies execution-style enforcement or unacceptable operational techniques," Okey-Uche said.
"Suspects are entitled to due process in a court of law; no authority should be above it."
The Consulate extended condolences to the family of the deceased, Ibeh Chika Simon, and wished Egwabor Patrick Chuks a speedy recovery from his injuries.
It also urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant while diplomatic efforts continue to seek justice through official channels.
Reacting to the incident, the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) also condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of the 42-year-old Nigerian, saying it stood firmly behind calls for justice and accountability.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Akindele Olunloyo, the union expressed support for the ongoing investigation by South Africa's Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), urging investigators to look beyond the initial police claim that Simon had simply "collapsed" during the operation.
NUSA noted that preliminary post-mortem findings reportedly revealed bruises and abrasions on Simon's chest and back, saying the findings warranted a thorough and independent investigation.
The union maintained that even if allegations by police that drugs and an unlicensed firearm were recovered at the scene were true, such claims could never justify brutality, torture or what it described as execution-style enforcement.
"We support the probe by South Africa's Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to look past initial police claims that Simon simply 'collapsed', noting preliminary post-mortem findings showing bruises and abrasions on his chest and back," Olunloyo stated.
"We insist that no alleged offense, such as the drugs and unlicensed firearm police claim were found at the scene, justifies brutality, torture, or execution-style enforcement."
NUSA further aligned itself with the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, alleging that the incident forms part of an ongoing pattern of violence and fatal misconduct against African foreign nationals by law enforcement officers in South Africa.
The union also appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding while legal processes take their course.
"We urge Nigerian community members to remain peaceful and law-abiding while we utilize legal channels to pursue justice for Simon and secure medical attention or accountability regarding accompanying injuries reported during the raid," Olunloyo added.