A Nigerian man, Prince Muoka Ebuka, 43, was killed on Friday, May 17th, in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, South Africa, sparking outrage and demands for a proper investigation.
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) condemned the incident, highlighting a “disturbing trend of police abuse targeting Nigerians” in the region. NUSA cited similar cases in Kimberley involving drug accusations and police brutality, along with another Nigerian’s death in Springs earlier this year.
According to Ebuka’s wife, Joyce, law enforcement officers raided their home, forcing her to leave with their child to escape the violence. Ebuka was allegedly assaulted and coerced into admitting to drug possession. When no drugs were found, officers reportedly took him to a waste dump with the same accusation.
Eyewitnesses reported suspicious behavior, including officers requesting pepper spray after leaving Ebuka’s residence. Despite using drug detection methods, no incriminating evidence was found. Ebuka reportedly died during the intense interrogation.
Further concerns surround the investigation’s integrity due to the alleged lack of proper crime scene preservation. NUSA claims Joyce Ebuka faced intimidation while trying to report her husband’s death, and police refused to issue a statement or allow her to open a case.
NUSA demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into Ebuka’s killing and the wider issue of police abuse in the Northern Cape. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission echoed this call, condemning the death and emphasizing that those responsible must be held accountable.
