Nigeria says two of its citizens have been killed in South Africa “at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted” there.
News
A statement from the foreign ministry said Emeka Charles Iroegbu was “reportedly killed” on 28 June by police officers “using gruesome interrogation techniques”, while unidentified assailants had killed shop owner Musa Yunana Joe on the same day.
South African police say Iroegbu collapsed after being arrested for drug possession and say his death was not linked to the ongoing anti-migrant protests.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry said the deaths came amid a rise in anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa.
Details
Some 25,000 citizens of other African countries have been repatriated in recent weeks, including about 700 Nigerians.
Protesters in South Africa have urged the government to do more to curb illegal migration. They say foreigners are taking jobs and unfairly benefiting from public services.
In its statement, Nigeria’s foreign ministry said Iroegbu was reportedly killed in Pretoria by officers from the Tshwane Metro police department.
Analysis
The South African body that investigates police conduct told the BBC on Monday the Iroegbu case was reported to it last week and that “our investigation is underway”.
The police later issued a statement saying that Iroegbu had been arrested for alleged possession of drugs and as they were handcuffing him, he collapsed. The police then called for medical help and he was declared dead at the scene.
The police said they rejected “attempts to link this incident to anti-illegal immigrants protests”.
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