Ekpenyong Andrew, a Nigerian motor mechanic and father of five, died in Pretoria, South Africa, days after being arrested by Tshwane Metro Police officers on April 19. He was reportedly taken into custody in the Booysens area while returning home from work. His partner, Kuma Kaku, said police officers later came to their residence to search for drugs, but found nothing incriminating. Andrew's body was discovered the following day at Pretoria Central Morgue under suspicious circumstances. The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) confirmed the death and stated that a murder case has been opened at Hercules SAPS, Pretoria Police Station, with case number CAS 224/04/2026 and Sergeant Lowkani assigned as investigating officer. NUSA described the incident as deeply disturbing and called it an extra-judicial killing. The group demanded a full autopsy report, disclosure of the cause of death, and the immediate suspension of the four Tshwane Metro Police officers allegedly involved. It also urged a swift probe by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), justice for Andrew, and compensation for his family. NUSA said it had informed the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and would work with both Nigerian and South African authorities. The organisation urged Nigerian citizens in South Africa to remain calm but vigilant as it pursues legal action.
NUSA claims a murder case has been opened yet calls the death an extra-judicial killing, creating confusion over whether the state is now prosecuting its own officers or shielding them. The four named officers remain on duty despite allegations of foul play in Andrew's morgue discovery, leaving his family and Nigerian residents in Pretoria questioning the sincerity of the investigation. If police can arrest a man on suspicion and return to his home searching for drugs with no results, the line between law enforcement and harassment has already blurred. Nigerians in South Africa are left relying on a union statement rather than official transparency, with no timeline for autopsy results or accountability.
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