By Peter Ejiofor
London, May 18, 2024 – The South African Police killed another Nigerian in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, on Friday.
The victim was Ebuka Muoka, a 43-year-old from Obosi, Anambra State.
The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) disclosed this on Saturday in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Habib Miller.
His killing came just after the South African government enacted a landmark legislation to address the scourge of hate crimes and hate speech.
President Cyril Ramaphosa assented to the bill on April May 8, 2024 after two Nigerians, Olewa and Ite, were killed in Germiston on May 1, 2024.
“NUSA profoundly mourns and condemns the tragic killing of Mr Ebuka Muoka, a 43-year-old Nigerian national from Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria, in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, on the morning of May 17, 2024.
“Reports from Ebuka’s wife, Joyce, paint a harrowing picture of law enforcement officers storming their residence, compelling her to evacuate to shield their young child from witnessing the violence.
“Ebuka was then subjected to assault and coerced to produce drugs allegedly in his possession. When their search proved fruitless, they forcibly escorted him to a waste dump, alleging he had concealed illegal substances there.
“Witnesses further alleged egregious misconduct, with officers resorting to coercive tactics, including requesting pepper spray after emerging from Ebuka’s residence,’’
Miller said that in spite of employing drug detection methods, no evidence was found, yet the relentless interrogation tragically led to his demise.
He added that the lack of proper crime scene preservation raises grave doubts about the integrity of the investigation.
“Of deep concern is the police refusal to issue a statement on the case at the time of this press release and has denied the family and friends of their right to open a case docket on the case.
“The wife of the deceased was intimidated when she approached the police to open a case on the demise of her late husband.
“This appalling incident underscores a distressing trend of police abuse targeting Nigerians in the Northern Cape Province.
“There have been similar incidents like this since March, in Kimberley, involving unfounded accusations of drug dealing and police violence not leading to death but serious injuries and traumas on those affected,’’ he said.
Miller said that regrettably, another Nigerian, Mr Chika Aniuno, suffered a similar fate in Springs, Johannesburg, on April 25, 2024, as he was killed by the police.
He said that NUSA has called for an exhaustive, impartial inquiry into Ebuka Muoka’s killing and the broader systemic issues of police abuse in the Northern Cape.
He appealed that justice should prevail for the deceased, and the rights and safety of all individuals, regardless of nationality to be safeguarded.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, who mourn the loss of their loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
“We also stand in unwavering solidarity with the Nigerian community in the Northern Cape Province, offering our unwavering support and unity as they navigate through this tragedy.
“Furthermore, we acknowledge the visit of Kgatelopele Local Municipality, Mayor Irene Williams, to the crime scene where she expressed shock and offered her condolences.’’
Miller said that the mayor’s call for calm and unity was commendable, and NUSA echoed her sentiments, urging the Nigerian community to uphold the rule of law.
“Let us remain united and not let this situation sow division among us. Together, we must persevere in supporting one another and advocating for justice and accountability.
“We reaffirm our commitment to fostering positive relations between the Nigerian community, our host community, and law enforcement agencies.
“Together, we strive for a society characterised by mutual respect and devoid of crime and injustice,’’ he said. (GBN)
