A Nigerian, Chimezie Odueze, allegedly tortured by officers of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Cape Town has been reported dead in police custody, a development said to have caused shock and pain to his family, Nigerian community and Nigeria’s two diplomatic missions in South Africa.
Penpushing reports that the Consul General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche in a statement on Tuesday disclosed that Odueze died on October 9, 2026 in the Parklands area of Cape Town, adding that reports indicated that the Nigerian was tortured by police officers before his death
The statement stated that Odueze was arrested at a shopping centre on suspicion of drug possession and taken to his home for a search, adding that no drugs were found at the residence, but the Nigerian national was allegedly tortured to death.
Penpushing further reports that the consulate described the incident as one too many, noting the recurring reports of extrajudicial killings of Nigerians in South Africa raised serious concerns about the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.
The consulate warned against the stereotyping of Nigerians, pointing out that some elements were disregarding South African legal processes and wrongfully generalising Nigerians in the country.
Penpushing also reports that the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has called for a thorough investigation into the death, requesting South African authorities to conduct investigation and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The consulate said no matter what the allegations may be, there are processes and steps to justice, insisting that suspects must be given a fair hearing in court and that no one should take the law into their own hands.
Penpushing reports that Okey-Uche urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious amid ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks and threats against foreigners.
The consulate equally extended condolences to the deceased family and assured Nigerians that the Nigerian authorities would continue to press for their welfare and fair treatment in South Africa.
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