The Nigerian Union South Africa has called for a comprehensive autopsy report of its member, Ekpenyong Andrew, whose body was dumped in a mortuary after he was allegedly arrested by some police officers in Pretoria.
- +Community demands autopsy of Nigerian mechanic in S’Africa
Andrew, a Nigerian mechanic, was arrested by Tshwane Metro Police officers on Sunday in the Booysens area of Pretoria while returning home from work.
Andrew, a Nigerian mechanic, was arrested by Tshwane Metro Police officers on Sunday in the Booysens area of Pretoria while returning home from work.
The NUSA president, Smart Nwobi, however, said Andrew’s lifeless body was discovered on Monday at Pretoria Central Morgue.
Nwobi made this known in a press statement made available to Diaspora Tales on Thursday.
The Nigerian community leader said the mechanic’s partner, Ms Kuma Kaku, revealed that “police officers visited their home the same day (Sunday) to search for drugs, which yielded nothing incriminating.”
Condemning the killing, Nwobi said, “Most disturbingly, Mr Andrew’s body was discovered the following day (Monday) at Pretoria Central Morgue under circumstances that strongly suggest foul play.”
He also stated that a murder case has been opened at the Hercules South African Police Service in Pretoria Police Station.
“NUSA categorically condemns this alleged extra-judicial killing and calls for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Andrew’s death,” the statement read.
Apart from demanding Andrew’s post-mortem, the Nigerian community called for “the immediate suspension of the four Tshwane Metro Police officers allegedly involved, a swift and unbiased investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, and justice for the deceased and appropriate compensation to the bereaved family.”
“This incident is yet another troubling case in a pattern of alleged harassment and violations against Nigerian nationals by some members of South African law enforcement. NUSA reiterates that while we respect South African laws and institutions, the human rights of our citizens must be protected at all times,” it added.
Nwobi said the case had been reported to the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, stating that NUSA would work closely with both Nigerian and South African authorities to ensure justice is served.
I have urged all Nigerian citizens in South Africa to remain calm but vigilant while all legal avenues are pursued to address this serious matter.
