South African authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a Nigerian national who collapsed while being arrested by police in Cape Town last week. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, 22 July 2026, has further strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria amidst ongoing concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals.
The deceased, identified as Ibeh Chika Simon, 42, was reportedly being placed under arrest when he became unwell and collapsed. Initial post-mortem results indicate that Mr Simon sustained "multiple bruises and abrasions on his back and chest", according to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), the body responsible for overseeing police conduct in South Africa. Paramedics were called to the scene and declared him deceased.
Nigeria's Consul General in Johannesburg, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, expressed deep concern, stating her country was "deeply appalled by reports of the egregious police tactics that led to his death". She called for a "transparent" investigation, highlighting what she described as "an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings/deaths and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals" in South Africa. Ms Okey-Uche also noted reports that another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, was allegedly shot during the same operation and is currently hospitalised with serious injuries, although Western Cape police stated they have "no record of the incident".
Western Cape police spokesperson Col Andre Traut said officers were conducting a search at a home when they discovered an unlicensed firearm and suspected drugs. It was during the subsequent arrest attempt of Mr Simon that he collapsed. South Africa's Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration confirmed on Sunday, 25 July 2026, that the matter is under investigation, with Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi acknowledging that "some foreign nationals... were resisting law enforcement operations" during the incident.
This latest death follows another incident in June 2026, where Emeka Charles Iroegbu, also a Nigerian national, reportedly died in similar circumstances while in South African police custody. Ipid is also investigating that case. The escalating tensions extend to Ghana, which has also raised concerns about its citizens following allegations of anti-migrant violence. The South African government has consistently rejected claims of xenophobia, stating it "categorically reject[s] xenophobia, racism, homophobia, and all other forms of intolerance".