South Africa probes death of Nigerian national during arrest in Cape Town

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:02:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

South African police investigate the death of a 42‑year‑old Nigerian who collapsed during an arrest, amid mounting tensions over xenophobic violence.

A Nigerian man, Ibeh Chika Simon, died after collapsing while officers arrested him in Cape Town. Western Cape Police say he fell during the process, but a post‑mortem revealed bruises and abrasions that raised questions. The Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg has called for a transparent inquiry, warning of a pattern of extrajudicial incidents. Separate reports of another Nigerian fatality in June underscore the broader diplomatic frictions between Johannesburg and Lagos amid anti‑migrant protests.

South Africa probes death of Nigerian national during arrest in Cape Town

Authorities are investigating the death of 42‑year‑old Nigerian Ibeh Chika Simon, who collapsed while being arrested by Western Cape Police in Cape Town last Thursday.

An independent post‑mortem report revealed multiple bruises and abrasions on Simon’s back and chest, sparking doubts about the police’s conduct during the arrest.

The Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg has condemned the incident, demanding a transparent investigation and highlighting a pattern of “unresolved extrajudicial killings” against foreign nationals.

Western Cape Police said Simon died as he “became unwell and collapsed” as they were bringing him under arrest. Police spokesperson Col Andre Traut explained that officers had found an unlicensed firearm and drugs during a search at a nearby home.

The incident follows a June death of another Nigerian under similar circumstances, reinforcing the growing diplomatic rift between South Africa and Nigeria over allegations of xenophobic violence.

South African Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed that investigators from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) are looking into the case, while the Inter‑Ministerial Committee on Migration noted tensions during police operations involving foreign nationals.

Both Nigeria and Ghana have raised concerns with the International Criminal Court about alleged attacks on migrants in South Africa, calling for serious scrutiny of ongoing violence. South African officials have dismissed the allegations as lacking legal basis.

The government has stated that it rejects xenophobia, racism and all “manifestations of intolerance.” President Cyril Ramaphosa urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their hands amid heightened concerns about migration.