The Nigerian Union South Africa has demanded a full autopsy on one of its members, Ekpenyong Andrew, whose body was later discovered in a mortuary following his alleged arrest by police officers in Pretoria.
Andrew, a Nigerian mechanic, was reportedly taken into custody by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police on Sunday in the Booysens area while returning from work.
According to the union’s president, Smart Nwobi, the deceased was found dead the next day at the Pretoria Central Morgue.
Nwobi disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to Diaspora Tales.
He added that Andrew’s partner, Ms Kuma Kaku, recounted that “police officers visited their home the same day (Sunday) to search for drugs, which yielded nothing incriminating.”
Expressing concern over the development, Nwobi said, “Most disturbingly, Mr Andrew’s body was discovered the following day (Monday) at Pretoria Central Morgue under circumstances that strongly suggest foul play.”
He further revealed that a murder case had been filed at the Hercules station of the South African Police Service in Pretoria.
“NUSA categorically condemns this alleged extra-judicial killing and calls for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Andrew’s death,” the statement read.
The union also called for additional measures, including “the immediate suspension of the four Tshwane Metro Police officers allegedly involved, a swift and unbiased investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, and justice for the deceased and appropriate compensation to the bereaved family.”
Highlighting broader concerns, the statement noted, “This incident is yet another troubling case in a pattern of alleged harassment and violations against Nigerian nationals by some members of South African law enforcement. NUSA reiterates that while we respect South African laws and institutions, the human rights of our citizens must be protected at all times.”
Nwobi said the matter had been reported to the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, adding that the union would collaborate with both Nigerian and South African authorities to ensure accountability.
He also appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and vigilant while legal processes take their course.
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