The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the alleged brutal killing of a Nigerian, Chika Ibe, by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.
Ibe, who hailed from Lokpaukwu, Abia State, was reportedly killed on Thursday at Parksig Villas Complex, Bellville, Cape Town.
According to Onyekwelu, Ibe 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 said.
He stressed the need for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and the leadership of SAPS to immediately institute an independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into Ibe’s death.
He added: “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.”
Onyekwelu urged the Nigerian community across South Africa to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding amid the shared grief.
“We strongly discourage any form of retaliation or unlawful conduct and encourage everyone to allow justice to take its course through the appropriate legal channels,” he said.
He expressed condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ibe, while assuring to work more closely with the Nigerian diplomatic missions and the Federal Government of Nigeria to achieve desired goals.
This, according to him, would ensure such matters are pursued vigorously until justice is served, by closely monitoring investigation and insisting on transparency, accountability, and timely prosecution of all those responsible.
He commended the Western Cape Provincial Leadership of the association for its swift response, dedication, and support to Ibe’s family following the tragic incident that resulted in his passing.
Onyekwlu also underscored the need to canvass justice for Ibe and accountability for those responsible for his passing.
He added: “The life of every Nigerian matters.
“We remain unwavering in our commitment to defending the rights, dignity, and safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
“No one is above the law.
“No life should be lost in police custody.
“Justice for every victim of police brutality.”