The issue of Nigerian lives being lost at the hands of South African police officials has received significant attention in recent years. Nigerians residing in South Africa have consistently expressed their discontent with the treatment they receive from the South African police force. On the 17th of May 2024, the alleged killing of another Nigerian national, Prince Ebuka Muoka Nwokolo, also known as Jeff, who was 43 years old at the time, in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, by law enforcement officers, has further intensified the frustration within the Nigerian community in South Africa. The accusation against Ebuka was related to drug trafficking.
This article aims to explore the concerning reality of police brutality experienced by Nigerians living in South Africa, the urgent need for reforms within the police force, and the demand for justice for Nigerians who have lost their lives due to the actions of South African law enforcement officials. According to Habib Miller, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), there have been reports of two Nigerian individuals being killed by South African police officers between January and May 2024.
The Reality of Police Brutality on Nigerians in South Africa
Foreign nationals in South Africa, including Nigerians, frequently experience maltreatment from law enforcement officers. Videos that have been widely circulated on social media have revealed the brutality and harassment endured by foreigners, particularly African migrants. These videos serve as undeniable proof of the urgent necessity for police reform. The tragic death of Ebuka Nwokolo, a 43-year-old Nigerian citizen who was allegedly beaten to death by South African police officers, has reignited the passion of those advocating for justice in response to extrajudicial killings committed by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to individuals who were present during an interview conducted by Kalahari Memorandum Digital, the incident involving Ebuka was described as extremely horrifying. The police operation, which aimed to locate illegal drugs, lasted for several hours starting from 8 am. During this time, Ebuka Nwokolo was subjected to physical violence, handcuffed, and endured various forms of mistreatment. Witnesses even reported that he was pepper sprayed. Despite the extensive search of his house, no traces of drugs were found.
To protect their young child from witnessing the abuse inflicted upon Ebuka, his wife Joyce was instructed to leave the scene. The brutality of the situation was so severe that Yolanda Mokeme, one of the witnesses, stated that she saw Ebuka in a severely traumatized state just before he tragically passed away. Shockingly, there was no forensic examination conducted at the location where Ebuka lost his life, further adding to the perception of injustice.
Demanding Justice and Safety
In response to these incidents, Nigerians in South Africa have united to demand justice for their fellow countrymen being killed by the South African Police Service (SAPS). Regarding Ebuka Mouka’s tragic death at the hands of South African cops, on Friday, NUSA (Pages 1 and 2) and NICASA (Pages 1 and 2), the two Nigerian community organisations in South Africa, issued Press Releases. Nigerians are standing up against injustice, brutality, harassment, and the killing of Nigerian citizens in South Africa. The protest is not just for the victims themselves but also the safety and dignity of all foreigners, especially African migrants living in South Africa.
The Nigerian community in South Africa has submitted multiple memoranda of requests to the police, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment, equal rights, and unbiased law enforcement. As a Nigerian myself, I am adding my voice to the plea for an end to the harassment and violence inflicted upon Nigerians and other foreigners in the nation. The community strongly believes that too many lives have been lost, and it is high time to put an end to the ongoing pattern of extrajudicial killings.
The Crisis Beyond Johannesburg
In the past, attention has mainly been paid to incidents occurring in Johannesburg. However, we have also seen similar acts of violence in other provinces of South Africa, as exemplified by the recent case of Ebuka in the Northern Cape. Instances of Nigerian citizens experiencing police brutality have been reported in nearly every province across South Africa.
The struggles against police brutality and intimidation are not limited to a single location in South Africa. Nigerians and other African migrants living in South Africa are facing these challenges across the country. It is an ongoing battle that requires sustained efforts and collective action to bring about meaningful change.
Addressing the Root Causes
To effectively address the crisis of police brutality and the loss of Nigerian lives in South Africa, it is important to understand the root causes of these issues. One key factor is the lack of proper training and accountability within the South African Police Service. Former police officers have highlighted the decline in training standards and the rampant corruption in the recruitment process.
In the early years of democracy in South Africa, there were improvements in policing, including a focus on community engagement and human rights training. However, since the year 2000, there has been a noticeable decline in the quality of training, while the appointment of police commissioners has been based on political loyalty rather than competence.
The Legacy of Police Brutality in South Africa
The history of police violence in South Africa can be traced back to the time of apartheid, a period when the State police were utilized as instruments of oppression and prejudice against the Black population. Regrettably, this legacy has endured even after South Africa transitioned to a multiracial democracy. The Marikana massacre that took place in 2012 serves as a glaring illustration of the continuous brutality, as security forces killed 34 striking miners without any of the responsible officers facing the consequences.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), a regulatory body of the South African government, has recorded over 41,000 criminal allegations against law enforcement officials from 2012 to 2019. These cases encompass a range of offences, such as sexual assault, homicides, and acts of torture. However, security experts assert that this figure merely scratches the surface, with the actual extent of police brutality in South Africa being significantly greater.
Training and Accountability
To tackle the crisis, it is imperative to implement extensive reforms regarding the training and responsibility of police officers in South Africa. The training programs should prioritize community policing, human rights, and the appropriate use of force. Officers must possess the essential skills to defuse tense situations and safeguard lives.
Moreover, it is imperative to establish stringent systems of responsibility to ensure officers who partake in wrongdoing and misuse authority are held accountable for their behaviour. The selection process for new recruits should be transparent and devoid of corrupt practices, guaranteeing that only capable individuals with a sincere dedication to serving the public are chosen to join the police force.
A Call for International Cooperation
The issue of police brutality and the loss of Nigerian lives in South Africa is not limited to domestic concerns alone. It necessitates global attention and collaboration to tackle the root causes and implement sustainable solutions. The Nigerian government, alongside other concerned nations, particularly African countries, should actively communicate with South African authorities to guarantee the safety and security of their citizens.
International organizations and human rights bodies should closely monitor the situation and pressure the South African government to take action swiftly and decisively. The crisis can only be effectively addressed through collaborative endeavours and global unity.
What Now?
The urgent need for police reform and justice is underscored by the severe repercussions of police brutality and the loss of Nigerian lives in South Africa. The mistreatment experienced by foreigners, including Nigerians, is a serious infringement upon human rights that must not be accepted. It is crucial to tackle the underlying causes of police brutality, enhance training protocols, and ensure that those involved in misconduct are held responsible.
The Nigerian community residing in South Africa is currently advocating for justice on behalf of their compatriots who have lost their lives and also calling for the safety and protection of all African migrants within the country. According to reports, there have been two recorded incidents where South African police officers tragically killed Nigerian individuals between January and May of this year, 2024. The first incident occurred on the 25th of April when Mr Chika Aniuno was fatally shot at his residence in Springs, located in the East Rand region of Gauteng. The second incident took place on the 17th of May when Mr Ebuka Muoka Nwokolo was also killed by a small group of police officers in Denielskuil, which is situated in the Northern Cape province. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the departed souls of these Nigerian individuals; may they rest in eternal peace. The Nigerian community firmly believes that it is of utmost importance to seek justice for these senseless killings and to ensure the safety and well-being of all African migrants living in South Africa.
The battle against unjust treatment and harassment by law enforcement is ongoing, but with each action and expression of dissent, the call for transformation becomes more resolute. This is a struggle for fairness and dignity, as well as preserving the values of fairness and basic human rights in South Africa.
