Xenophobia: Another Nigerian killed in South Africa amid ongoing violence

Xenophobic violence in South Africa has claimed another Nigerian life, with Ibeh Simon dying under questionable circumstances during an encounter with police. This incident marks the fifth Nigerian death since the current wave of anti-foreigner attacks intensified this year.

Simon died in Bellville, Cape Town, on July 23 during a South African Police Service (SAPS) operation. Police also shot another Nigerian national, Egwabor Patrick, who is currently hospitalized. The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg condemned the police tactics that led to Simon's death and the injury of Patrick.

“

We are deeply appalled by reports of the egregious police tactics that led to his death, as well as the shooting of Chuks…who remains under treatment with severe injuries.

The consulate stated, "We are deeply appalled by reports of the egregious police tactics that led to his death, as well as the shooting of Chuks…who remains under treatment with severe injuries." It further described the event as highlighting "an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings/deaths and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals."

“

This tragic event highlights an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings/deaths and unacceptable misconduct against foreign nationals.

This incident occurs amidst rising anti-African sentiment in South Africa and demonstrates a "troubling disregard for the fundamental rights to life, dignity, and due process" for foreign nationals. Previous victims include Amaramiro Emmanuel, Ekpenyong Andrew, Emeka Iroegbu, and Musa Joe, who died in April and June under various circumstances, including alleged attacks by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and extrajudicial killings by Tshwane Metro Police. Investigations into these cases remain pending, with no arrests made.

South Africa's anti-foreigner sentiment escalated earlier this year, with footage of citizens attacking foreigners circulating online and an arbitrary June 30 deadline for foreigners to leave the country. Several African nations have since repatriated their citizens.

“

Amid rising anti-African sentiment, such actions reveal a troubling disregard for the fundamental rights to life, dignity, and due process guaranteed by South African law to all human beings.