The Nigerian government has demanded a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the death of a Nigerian national, Odueze Chimezie Odueze, who allegedly died after being tortured by officers of the South African Police Service in Cape Town.
The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg said Odueze died on October 9 in the Parklands area of Cape Town following his arrest by South African police on suspicion of drug possession.
In a statement, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, condemned the incident and expressed concern over what the mission described as a continuing pattern of killings involving Nigerian nationals in South Africa.
According to the Consulate, Odueze was arrested at a shopping centre before police officers took him to his residence to search for suspected drugs.
The mission said no drugs were found in the house but alleged that Odueze was nevertheless subjected to severe torture and brutality that resulted in his death.
Okey-Uche said reports surrounding the incident had caused shock and pain to the deceased’s family, the Nigerian community and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa.
The Consulate said the latest incident had again raised serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.
It described the alleged circumstances surrounding Odueze’s death as particularly troubling, insisting that criminal allegations against any individual must be handled through the established judicial process.
The mission expressed concern over what it described as a continuing pattern of extrajudicial killings of Nigerians, warning against stereotyping Nigerian nationals or denying suspects the protection of South African law.
It called on the relevant South African authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into Odueze’s death and ensure that anyone found responsible was brought to justice.
The Consulate stressed that irrespective of the allegations against a suspect, law enforcement officers were required to follow due process and allow the courts to determine guilt or innocence.
It said every suspect was entitled to a fair hearing and that no individual or law enforcement official should take the law into their own hands.
The latest death comes amid heightened concern over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.
Only weeks earlier, the Nigerian Consulate had raised alarm over the deaths of three Nigerians in separate incidents within four days in September, including cases involving alleged police harassment and violence.
The Consulate said such incidents were increasing anxiety within the Nigerian community and strengthening calls for South African authorities to ensure that Nigerians and other foreign nationals received equal protection under the law.
Okey-Uche also appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious amid continuing xenophobic and afrophobic tensions and threats against foreigners.
She assured the Nigerian community that the mission would continue to press South African authorities for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of anyone found culpable in Odueze’s death.
The Consulate extended its condolences to his family and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and fair treatment of Nigerians living in South Africa.
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