The Union of Nigeria in South Africa has condemned the killing of Prince Ebuka, a 43-year-old Nigerian national from Obosi, Anambra State.
Ebuka was killed on Friday in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, South Africa.
This is contained in a statement signed by NUSA National Publicity Secretary Habib Miller and made available to our correspondent on Saturday.
In the statement, the union highlighted the disturbing pattern of police abuse targeting Nigerians in the Northern Cape.
Since March, similar incidents have been reported in the Kimberley with allegations of drugs and police brutality.
NUSA also noted the death of another Nigerian, Chika Anuino, by police in Springs, Johannesburg, on 25 April.
According to the statement, Ebuka’s wife, Joyce reported that the police raided their home, forcing her to flee to protect their young child from violence.
Ebuka was then assaulted and forced to produce drugs allegedly in his possession. When nothing was found, the police took him to a dump, accusing him of hiding illegal substances there.
“Accounts from Ebuka’s wife, Joyce, paint a horrifying picture of the policemen storming their residence, forcing her to evacuate to protect their young child from witnessing the violence. Ebuka was then assaulted and forced to produce drugs allegedly in his possession.
“When their search proved fruitless, they forcibly escorted him to a landfill, claiming he had hidden illegal substances there. Eyewitnesses allege further gross misconduct, with officers resorting to coercive tactics, including the application of pepper spray after exiting Mr Ebuka’s residence.
“Despite the use of drug detection methods, no evidence was found, yet the relentless interrogation tragically led to his death. Additionally, the lack of proper preservation of the crime scene raises serious doubts about the integrity of the investigation,” the statement read in part.
Miller noted that further distress was caused by the police’s refusal to release a statement or allow the family to open a case.
He added that Joyce Ebuka faced intimidation when she tried to report her husband’s death.
NUSA further demanded a thorough, impartial investigation into the killing of Prince Ebuka and the wider issue of police abuse in the Northern Cape.
He stressed the need for justice and the protection of the rights and safety of all individuals, regardless of nationality.
“NUSA is urgently calling for a thorough, impartial investigation into the killing of Prince Ebuka and the wider systemic issues of police abuse in the Northern Cape.
“Justice must prevail for the dead and the rights and safety of all individuals, regardless of nationality, must be protected,” it said.
Kgatelopele Municipality Mayor Irene Williams visited the scene of the crime, expressed shock and condolences.
He called for calm and unity, sentiments echoed by NUSA, which is urging the Nigerian community to support the rule of law, the statement added.
The association expressed its deepest condolences to Ebuka’s family and stands in solidarity with the Nigerian community in the Northern Cape.
When contacted, the representative of the Commission of Nigerians in the Diaspora, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, called for a thorough investigation into the incident and stressed that whoever is found responsible should be held accountable.
“Reprehensible and sad. One death too many. We demand an investigation and anyone found guilty should face the music,” he noted.