The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the death of a Nigerian man in police custody was connected to recent anti-illegal immigrant protests in the country.
The deceased, identified as Emeka Charles Iroegbu, reportedly died on June 28, 2026, after he was arrested by members of the SAPS Tshwane Drugs Team at his apartment in Sunnyside, Pretoria, over alleged drug possession.
The incident sparked reactions online after reports suggested that the Nigerian national died during what was described as a “gruesome interrogation” linked to anti-immigrant demonstrations.
However, SAPS has rejected the allegations, insisting that the claims are false and intended to mislead the public.
In a statement released on Monday, the police explained that officers acted on intelligence before carrying out the arrest. According to SAPS, Iroegbu was handcuffed after suspected drugs were allegedly recovered from his residence.
Police said that while officers were escorting him into custody, he suddenly collapsed.
Medical personnel were immediately called to the scene, but paramedics later confirmed him dead.
Because the incident occurred while the suspect was in police custody, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was promptly notified to ensure an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
SAPS disclosed that an inquest case had been opened alongside a separate case relating to the alleged possession of drugs. The substances recovered during the operation were reportedly secured as evidence at the SAPS 13 exhibit store.
According to the police, detectives and investigators from the IPID jointly attended the post-mortem examination, while the investigation remains ongoing pending the outcome of the autopsy.
“The South African Police Service notes with concern misleading information being circulated on social media regarding the death in custody of a Nigerian national in the Sunnyside policing precinct,” the statement read.
The police further stressed that there is no evidence linking the incident to anti-illegal immigrant protests, describing such reports as “baseless” and capable of creating unnecessary public anxiety.
The clarification comes after Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the death of the Nigerian citizen and indicated that it was engaging South African authorities over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case has continued to attract attention in both Nigeria and South Africa, with many calling for a transparent investigation to establish the exact cause of death.
Authorities have assured that the findings of the post-mortem examination and the ongoing IPID investigation will determine the next course of action.
