By Peter Ejiofor
London, April 27, 2024 – The Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) is again mourning a Nigerian, Mr Chika Aniuno, killed by the South African Police (SAP) operatives during a raid on his residence on April 25.
The union said on Saturday in a statement by Mr Habib Miller, its National Publicity Secretary, that the killing of Aniuno took place in Springs, East Rand of Gauteng.
“It serves as a grim reminder of the persistent pattern of violence and brutality inflicted on Nigerians by the South African Police.
“Witnesses accounts paint a harrowing picture of Aniuno’s ordeal as he was subjected to torture and suffocation with a plastic bag by the police, tragically resulting in his untimely demise.
“Moreover, the callous actions of the officers involved, displaying a blatant disregard for human life and dignity, further exacerbates the gravity of this reprehensible act.
“The disrespectful disposal of his body in the mortuary, coupled with the unjust detention of his girlfriend compounds the injustice, Miller said in the statement.
He said that the members of the union in the Gauteng chapter had reported that the police claimed that Aniumo swallowed a substance leading to his death.
Miller added that upon examining the body in the mortuary, it was discovered that it had been tampered with.
“Initially, the police refused to open a case docket, but the decision was reversed after the intervention of a lawyer. `Efforts are currently ongoing to conduct an autopsy to determine the true cause of his death.
“We respectfully urged the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa to utilise their authority to vigorously demand a thorough investigation into this senseless killing.
“We also urge the South African authorities to take prompt and decisive measures to address the systemic issues perpetuating violence against Nigerians in South Africa.
“This is crucial to ensure justice is served and to extend support to the bereaved family,’’ Miller said. (GBN)
