Nigeria rebukes SA over deaths of citizens

The Nigerian Government has sharply criticised South African authorities following the killing of two of its citizens, accusing security officials of criminal liability and warning that it will pursue regional and international action if those responsible are not held accountable, reports News24. In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, Nigeria condemned what it described as the extra-judicial killing of Emeka Iroegbu, who was allegedly killed by members of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) during an interrogation in Pretoria, on 28 June. The Nigerian Government also highlighted an earlier case involving Naemeka Ekpenyong, who was allegedly killed by the same metro police officers on 20 April. According to Nigeria, no arrests have been made despite the identities of the four officers allegedly being known to the police. Nigeria said the incidents come amid growing hostility towards immigrants in SA and have heightened concerns about the safety of Nigerians living in the country. ‘The continuing pattern of such terrible incidents is clearly evidence of complicity on the part of security operatives, especially officers of the Tshwane metro police, which raises the question of state responsibility under international law,’ the statement read.

The Nigerian Government further claimed that records compiled by its diplomatic missions in SA provide grounds for criminal liability and accused authorities of failing to adequately investigate previous cases involving Nigerians. The Nigerian Government also raised concerns about anti-immigration groups, including Operation Dudula and March and March, accusing their leaders of inciting violence and hatred against fellow Africans. Nigeria warned that those responsible for encouraging attacks on immigrants could face regional and international criminal accountability. In response to the allegation, TMPD spokesperson Colonel Mahamba said the department was aware of one of the incidents and insisted that investigations were under way, according to News24. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate and the police have yet to comment.

Meanwhile, over 700 undocumented migrants spent Saturday evening sleeping out in the open after the Department of Home Affairs’ repatriation centre in Epping, Cape Town was shut down, reports EWN. Most of those affected are Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals and nearly all previously worked on farms outside Cape Town. In a statement, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says undocumented migrants who did not board buses to Musina should approach their respective embassies or consulates for assistance. On Sunday morning volunteers assisted those who were stranded with food and basic sanitary essentials, while Cape Town officers kept a close watch. Head of the Gift of the Givers medical team, Dr Naeem Kathrada, said the city did not grant permission for a tent to be erected on the field. Zimbabwean uber driver Wellington Konde says he and fellow countrymen have organised aid through their WhatsApp group to assist those stranded in Epping.