Nigerians living in South Africa have expressed displeasure with the
alleged killing of a Nigerian, Celestine Nwokeocha, 36, by the South
African Police.
The President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Adetola
Olubajo, expressed the feeling of Nigerians to the Press,
on the telephone from Pretoria, South Africa, today.
He said witnesses reported that Mr Nwokeocha was allegedly
tortured and beaten to death in his house at Sasolburg area of Free
State Province by the police on January 15.
“An inquest docket has been opened at Zamdela Police Station,
Sasolburg, with case number 183/01/2019.
“Also, Independent Police Investigation Department (IPID) is
involved in the case and we have been assured that justice will be
served in the matter,” he told newsmen.
Mr Olubajo said that two witnesses, Nonso, a Nigerian and Palesa, a
South African, were arrested by the same police officers who
allegedly killed Nwokeocha.
“The witnesses, however, appeared in court on Jan. 17, but while the
South African, Palesa was granted bail, Nonso, who is a Nigerian
was denied bail.
“Autopsy has been done by one Dr Humphris and no sign of any
substance was found in the deceased stomach.
“But there are bruises on his face, blood in his mouth and two
bruises on his chest; a sign of lack of oxygen,” the president said.
He advised Nigerians resident in Sasolburg to stay calm and remain
law abiding while the union works to find justice for the deceased.
According to him, Nigerians are advised to avoid engaging in
activities that will jeopardise the successful prosecution of the
alleged police officers.
“Nwokeocha is survived by his wife and seven-month old baby girl,”
Mr Olubajo said.
Also, on the matter, the office of the Consulate General of Nigeria in
South Africa, condemned the killing of Nwokeocha.
Laren Jingina, the Vice-Consul, Information and Culture, said: “The
Consulate detests in strongest terms, infringements of the law by
security agents.
“The consulate demands compliance with the due process of the law,
if it suspects infringement by anyone it will do the needful.”
He said that the consulate was already in discussion with the
relevant host authorities and would ensure that justice is done and
the affected police officers brought to justice.
Mr Jingina also urged members of the deceased family and
Nigerians living in Sasolburg to remain calm and law abiding as the
consulate seeks justice for the deceased.
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