South African police say Nigerian man’s death not linked to anti migrant violence

South African police have denied claims that the death of a Nigerian man in police custody was connected to recent anti migrant protests, saying he collapsed after being arrested during a drug operation and that an independent investigation is under way.

Read also: south-africa-rules-out-compensation-for-evacuated-nigerians

The incident has heightened diplomatic tensions between South Africa and Nigeria after Nigeria’s foreign ministry alleged that the man died during police interrogation, just days before nationwide demonstrations against undocumented migrants.

In a statement on Tuesday, the South African Police Service dismissed any suggestion that the death was linked to the protests.

“The South African Police Service strongly rejects attempts to link this incident to anti illegal immigrant protests,” a police spokesperson said.

According to police, the Nigerian national was arrested during an intelligence led operation by a specialised drugs unit at his apartment, where officers allegedly found illegal drugs.

Read also: Nigeria condemns killing of two citizens in South Africa, warns of international action

Police said the man later collapsed while being taken into custody at a police station in Pretoria.

“Paramedics were called and declared him dead,” the police spokesperson said, adding that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the country’s police watchdog, had been notified and would investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

The response came after Nigeria’s foreign ministry said on Sunday that the man died during police interrogation two days before the anti migrant rallies. Abuja warned that it could take unspecified action if Nigerian citizens continued to face attacks in South Africa.

Read also: South Africa tightens crackdown on undocumented migrants, Cabinet steps up border security

According to Reuters, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation has urged the Nigerian government to share any evidence it has regarding the man’s death but has not commented directly on the allegations made by Abuja.

The incident comes against the backdrop of growing anti migrant demonstrations in South Africa. While most of the protests in recent months have been peaceful, some have turned violent, with attacks on foreign nationals and the looting of businesses owned by migrants.