South African police have denied claims that the death of a Nigerian national in police custody was connected to the recent wave of anti-migrant demonstrations across the country, insisting the incident occurred during a narcotics operation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the deceased was arrested after officers allegedly recovered suspected illicit drugs during an intelligence-led operation at his residence.
According to the police, the Nigerian national became unwell while being transported to a police station in Pretoria after his arrest.
Authorities said emergency medical personnel were immediately called to the station, but the man was pronounced dead on arrival.
The police rejected suggestions that the incident was related to growing hostility towards foreign nationals or recent protests targeting undocumented migrants.
The clarification follows concerns raised by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said the man reportedly died while in police custody shortly before nationwide demonstrations against undocumented migrants took place in South Africa.
The Nigerian government had expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident and warned that any further attacks on Nigerian citizens in South Africa could have diplomatic consequences.
South Africa’s police said the country’s Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the agency responsible for probing deaths and misconduct involving law enforcement officers, has commenced an investigation into the incident in line with established procedures.
The South African government has also urged Nigerian authorities to provide any information or evidence that could assist ongoing investigations, while refraining from commenting further on the allegations.
The death comes amid renewed tensions over immigration in South Africa, where demonstrations against undocumented migrants have intensified in recent months.
Although many of the protests have remained peaceful, some have reportedly resulted in attacks on foreign nationals and the looting of businesses owned by migrants.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned against blaming immigrants for South Africa’s economic and social challenges, arguing that foreign nationals are often unfairly targeted over issues such as unemployment and crime.
Investigations into the Nigerian man’s death are continuing, with authorities expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident after the completion of the independent inquiry.
