Africa

South Africa investigates death of Nigerian man who collapsed during arrest

South African authorities are investigating the death of a Nigerian national who collapsed while being arrested, officials said. An initial post-mortem report found abrasions on the man's back and chest, though investigators have not yet determined the cause of death.

A police vehicle on a quiet street
A police vehicle on a quiet streetPhoto: R9 Media Photo Collective / Pexels
BBC Africa1 h ago

South African police say they are investigating the death of a Nigerian national who collapsed while officers were arresting him, an incident that has drawn scrutiny from both local rights groups and the Nigerian government. Authorities have not disclosed the man's identity pending notification of his family.

An initial post-mortem report cited by investigators found abrasions on the man's back and chest, according to officials briefed on the findings. Investigators stressed that the report is preliminary and that a full forensic examination is still under way, with a final cause of death yet to be determined.

The case has been referred to South Africa's independent police oversight body, which examines deaths linked to police conduct. Nigerian diplomatic officials said they are monitoring the investigation and have requested regular updates, while South African police said the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome.

GeopoliticsAfricaBBC Africa
This article is an AI-curated summary of the original story published by BBC Africa. The illustration is a stock photo by R9 Media Photo Collective from Pexels and is not from the original story.

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