The Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA), has strongly condemned the tragic killing of Prince Ebuka, a 43-year-old Nigerian national from Obosi, Anambra State.
Ebuka lost his life on Friday in Danielskuil, Northern Cape, South Africa, in what has been described as a distressing incident.
In a statement released by the NUSA National Publicity Secretary, Habib Miller, the union expressed deep concern over the troubling pattern of police abuse targeting Nigerians in the Northern Cape.
The statement highlighted previous incidents since March, including similar cases in Kimberley involving accusations of drug-related offenses and police violence.
It also mentioned the death of another Nigerian, Chika Anuino, at the hands of police in Springs, Johannesburg, on April 25.
According to reports provided by Ebuka’s wife, Joyce, law enforcement officers raided their home, leading to a series of violent events.
Ebuka was allegedly assaulted and coerced into producing drugs, despite no evidence being found during the search.
Eyewitnesses further alleged misconduct by officers, including coercive tactics and a lack of proper crime scene preservation.
The statement emphasized the distress caused by the police’s refusal to issue a statement or allow the family to open a case docket, with Joyce Ebuka facing intimidation when attempting to report her husband’s death.
NUSA demanded a thorough, impartial investigation into Prince Ebuka’s killing and broader police abuse issues in the Northern Cape.
It stressed the need for justice and the protection of all individuals’ rights and safety, regardless of nationality.
Kgatelopele Local Municipality Mayor Irene Williams visited the crime scene, expressing shock and offering condolences.
She urged calm and unity, sentiments echoed by NUSA, which called on the Nigerian community to uphold the rule of law.
The union extended heartfelt condolences to Ebuka’s family and stood in solidarity with the Nigerian community in the Northern Cape.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, echoed the call for a thorough investigation into the incident, emphasizing the importance of holding anyone found responsible accountable for their actions.
