The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of Nigerian national Ibeh Chika Simon during a South African Police Service (SAPS) operation in Bellville, Cape Town, describing the circumstances surrounding his death as deeply troubling.

In a statement dated July 25, the Consulate also expressed concern over the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who is receiving treatment for serious injuries sustained during the operation on July 23.

The Nigerian mission described the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of unresolved deaths and alleged police misconduct involving foreign nationals in South Africa. It warned that the situation was particularly worrying amid growing Afrophobic sentiment, which it said threatens the rights to life, dignity and due process guaranteed under South African law.

The Consulate called on South African authorities to launch a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

While reiterating that Nigerians living in South Africa are expected to obey the country’s laws, the mission stressed that allegations of wrongdoing should never justify the use of excessive force or unlawful killings.

According to the statement, criminal suspects are entitled to due process through the courts, and law enforcement agencies must operate within the limits of the law.

The Consulate extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured Nigerian a speedy recovery. It also urged Nigerians residing in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and to seek justice through legal and diplomatic channels.

The latest incident comes amid continued concerns over attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Nigerian national Emeka Charles Iroegbu was allegedly killed by police officers on June 28, while another Nigerian, Musa Yunana Joe, was reportedly murdered by unidentified attackers on the same day.

The Federal Government has previously evacuated 1,490 Nigerians from South Africa in seven batches following outbreaks of Afrophobic violence. President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have repeatedly condemned attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has also said the Federal Government will seek compensation from South African authorities for Nigerians who lost businesses, property and livelihoods as a result of the anti-African attacks.