The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that the death of a Nigerian national in police custody was connected to recent anti-illegal immigration protests, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The response comes after the Federal Government of Nigeria on Sunday condemned the killings of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa and accused law enforcement authorities of failing to protect foreign nationals.
Nigeria alleged that one of the victims, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was killed by members of the Tshwane Metro Police Department in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, claiming officers used “gruesome interrogation techniques”.
The Nigerian government further linked the incident to growing anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa and called for urgent investigations.
SAPS said the Nigerian national died later that day after being arrested by members of the Tshwane Drugs Team in Sunnyside.
According to police, officers acted on intelligence and arrested the man at his apartment for alleged possession of drugs.
“During the arrest, the suspect was handcuffed and while being taken into custody, he collapsed. Members immediately called for medical assistance. Paramedics attended the scene and declared him dead,” SAPS said.
The police confirmed that the incident was immediately reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) because the death occurred while the suspect was in police custody.
Authorities further revealed that an inquest docket was opened alongside a case of possession of drugs. The narcotics allegedly found at the scene were booked into the SAPS 13 evidence store.
SAPS said both a police detective and an IPID investigator attended the postmortem examination, after which it was agreed that investigators would await the postmortem findings.
“Both SAPS Detective and IPID Investigator attended the postmortem examination, and it was decided that the case will be investigated by the police pending postmortem results.
The police service strongly denied social media claims linking the death to anti-illegal immigrant demonstrations that have taken place in parts of the country in recent weeks.
“SAPS strongly rejects attempts to link this incident to anti-illegal immigrants protests. Such claims are baseless and an attempt to mislead the public,” the statement read.
The cause of death remains under investigation pending the outcome of the postmortem examination.
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