A 50-year-old Nigerian man, Jeremiah Okoye, has tragically passed away while in police custody in Limpopo, South Africa. Okoye, who had lived in South Africa for 22 years, was residing at 71 Magazyn Street, Polokwane, when he died under mysterious circumstances.

The President of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Frank Onyekwelu, confirmed the incident in a statement. He strongly condemned what he called “persistent police brutality” against Nigerians in South Africa and urged authorities to follow the law and respect human rights.

Authorities have started investigating the cause of Okoye’s death, but the exact circumstances remain unclear. Onyekwelu has appealed to the police to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure the law is followed.

Onyekwelu also raised concerns about the growing number of Nigerians who have died while in police custody in South Africa. He expressed hope that Okoye’s death would not just become another statistic in this troubling pattern. “This is an issue that needs to stop,” he said, calling on South African authorities to take serious action to prevent further deaths.

The Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa have been notified of the incident, and NICASA continues to advocate for justice. Okoye, originally from Ezinifite Nnewi in Anambra State, Nigeria, had called South Africa home for over two decades.

His death serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing concerns surrounding police brutality and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa. The community is hoping for justice and accountability as the investigation continues.