Nigerians in South Africa have debunked the viral report that Nigerian citizens in Kimberly, Northern Cape Province attacked some South African Police Service (SAPS) officers, station and destroyed some items.
They, however, alleged that some Nigerians were victims of the South African police brutality.
A statement by the Nigerians Citizens in South Africa (NICASA) said the issue has been reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to carry out an independent and transparent investigation over the incident.
The statement which was signed by Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, President General, Dr Elizabeth Ojo-Fafore, Secretary General and Tony Okorie, Publicity Secretary also urged the South African Police to desist from intimidation, high handedness and unprovoked harassment of Nigerians in the country.
The statement reads in part: “As law abiding citizens, we as an organization have also requested that SAPS should open an investigation on the matter, and desist from intimidation, high handedness and unprovoked harassment of Nigerians in the city.
“It is important to note that we have also brought the matter to the attention of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to carry out an independent and transparent investigation over the incident.”
The statement explained that “This report by eNCA which is credited to SAPS is not correct and it is a misrepresentation of the fact and we reject it in its entirety.
“The said Nigerians in the city about eight did not attack any SAPS officer nor did they damage property. This is not possible as they were inside the premises of SAPS.
Putting the event in proper perspective, the group stated, ” The Police had visited the business premises of a certain Nigerian with the sole objective of searching the premises.
“Upon their visit to the premises, they met two other Nigerians in the business premises
“When the officers did not find any incriminating materials, the visit turned into a harassment and intimidation that led to the Nigerian being beaten. This is proven with the scars on the body of the victim.
“The incident and the cries of the Nigerians attracted the intervention of other Nigerians who pleaded with the Police officers to take the Nigerians to the police station if they have committed any offence, rather than the beating.
“Some Nigerians thereafter assembled at a location called Indian Centre to discuss the issues and how they intend to approach it.
“While this discussion was going on, the same group of SAPS officers approached them and demanded for their leader
“Upon identifying himself, the Police officers arrested him and this led to other Nigerians verbally protesting against his arrest and requested that he be released since he has committed no offence
“The Police rather responded by shooting rubber bullets to dispersed the Nigerians that had gathered there, and also arrested some.
“The situation became more rowdy, and as some people were trying to escape, the hand of one individual mistakenly broke a window, and became injured. It is important to note that he was also arrested and had been denied any medical attention with splinters of glass still in his hand.”
The leadership of the Nigerians in South Africa therefore stated that “At no time was any substance found on any Nigeria during the duration of this incident.
SECTION 10 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA act 108 of 1996 provides for inherent dignity of everyone living in south Africa, the right that this dignity be respected and protected….what happened between the members of SAPS and those Nigerians is a gross infringement to this right.
SECTIONS 13(3)(a) and 13(3)(b) of the SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE ACT 4, states that when a member of the police is executing an official duty, that duty MUST BE DONE WITH DUE REGARDS TO HIS OR HER POWERS IN A MANNER THAT IS REASONABLE AND THAT IF FORCE BE USED , IT SHOULD BE OF MINIMUM FORCE.
Therefore the spraying of tear gas towards those Nigerians inside the premises of the Police building is unjustified and flaunting of the act, supra.
Furthermore, section 12 of the constitution above provides for FREEDOM AND SECURITY OF PERSONS, WHETHER SOUTH AFRICAN OR NOT.
Paragraphs c, d, e states;
(c) To be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources;
(d) Not to be tortured in any way; and
(e) Not to be treated or punished in a cruel, inhuman or degrading way.
“NICASA Being the umbrella body of Nigerians in South Africa, we have directed our Provincial leader in Kimberly to continue to engage with the police authorities in Kimberly while we have made contact with the High commission of Nigeria Pretoria and Consulate-General of Nigeria in Johannesburg for intervention. A meeting to this effect has been scheduled for Thursday 25th April 2024
“As law abiding citizens, we as an organization have also requested that SAPS should open an investigation on the matter, and desist from intimidation, high handedness and unprovoked harassment of Nigerians in the city. It is important to note that we have also brought the matter to the attention of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to carry out an independent and transparent investigation over the incident.
“We wish to reiterate our commitment to building an excellent and enduring relationship with South Africans in Kimberly, including SAPS and other agencies as we believe that we are part of the community and have positive contributions to make. We pledge to work with SAPS at all times to keep a safe and crime free community.”
