Outrage as South African Police allegedly beat, suffocate Nigerian man to death in Cape Town

Public outrage has erupted after Nigerian national Chika Ibe allegedly died from severe beating, torture and suffocation during a South African Police Service operation in Bellville, Cape Town, with the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa demanding an immediate independent investigation and prosecution of officers responsible.

A body bag. A viral video. And a community demanding answers.

Chika Ibe, a Nigerian national from Lokpaukwu, Abia State, died on Thursday during a police operation at Parksig Villas in Bellville, Cape Town — allegedly after being subjected to severe beating, torture and suffocation by members of the South African Police Service. A video of Ibe being carried into a van in a body bag circulated widely on social media on Friday, sparking immediate public outrage.

A voice heard in the viral footage captured the raw grief and fury of witnesses. “Your African brother, see where you people end his life. End his life in plastic for what? Is it hatred? Look at him. Let’s clap for you guys, thank you very much. The mission is finished,” the voice said.

As reported by Peoples Gazette, South African authorities had not officially commented on Ibe’s death as of Friday, even as xenophobic violence continued to force thousands of African immigrants to flee the country.

The Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa swiftly condemned the killing. NICASA President Frank Onyekwelu said the allegations surrounding Ibe’s death were deeply disturbing and demanded immediate accountability. “Mr Chika Ibe reportedly died after being subjected to severe beating, torture, inhuman treatment, and alleged suffocation during a police operation. These allegations are deeply disturbing and, if confirmed, constitute a gross violation of human rights and the rule of law,” Onyekwelu stated.

NICASA called on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and SAPS leadership to launch an independent, transparent and comprehensive investigation. “Every officer found responsible must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There can be no justification for torture, excessive force, or the unlawful taking of human life,” Onyekwelu added.

Ibe’s death comes amid a broader wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa that has already prompted the Nigerian government to begin evacuating its citizens from the country.