Deceased Chika Aniuno
By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA) has condemned the heinous and unjust killing one of its members, Mr. Chika Aniuno, by South African Police Service (SAPS) on April 25, 2024, demanding thorough investigation of the dastardly act by Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa.
According to the Union National Publicity Secretary, Habeeb Miller in a statement obtained by ProwlingEagles, the appalling incident, occurred during a raid on his residence in Springs, East Rand of Gauteng, adding, it serves as a grim reminder of the persistent pattern of violence and brutality inflicted upon Nigerians by the South African police.
He said, “Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of Mr. Aniuno’s ordeal, subjected to torture and suffocation with a plastic bag by the police, tragically resulting in his untimely demise.
“Moreover, the callous actions of the officers involved, displaying a blatant disregard for human life and dignity, further exacerbate the gravity of this reprehensible act.
“The disrespectful disposal of his body in a mortuary, coupled with the unjust detention of his girlfriend, only compounds the injustice.
“Members of Nigerian Union in South Africa Gauteng chapter have reported that the police claimed Mr. Aniuno swallowed an illegal substance, leading to his death.
“However, upon examining the body in the morgue, they discovered it had been tampered with.
“Initially, the police refused to open a case docket, but this decision was reversed after the intervention of a lawyer. Efforts are currently underway to conduct an autopsy to determine the true cause of Mr. Aniuno’s death.
“We respectfully urge the Nigerian High Commission and Consulate in South Africa to utilize their authority to vigorously demand a thorough investigation into this senseless killing and urge the South African authorities to take prompt and decisive measures to address the systemic issues perpetuating violence against Nigerians in South Africa.
“This is crucial to ensure justice is served and to extend support to the bereaved family”.
