A Nigerian man, Abiodun Victor Olawunmi, has reportedly lost his life while in the custody of the South African Police Service in Johannesburg.
At the time of filing this report, specific details surrounding the incident remain unclear. However, Edward Sunday, a Nigerian residing in Sandton, Gauteng, from Oyo State, alleged Olawunmi was suffocated.
“Nigerian suffocated by South African Police”, Edward wrote on Facebook.
It’s alleged that the police apprehended the deceased on Saturday, July 15, 2023, during a raid conducted by Minister of Police Bheki Cele in Johannesburg Central and its surrounding areas.
Upon learning about Abiodun’s arrest, his brothers immediately began preparing to visit him at the police station. Unfortunately, they received a devastating call from an officer informing them of Abiodun’s tragic demise.
When the brothers arrived at the Johannesburg Central Police Station, they were met with the heart-wrenching sight of Abiodun’s lifeless body in the parking lot.
Meanwhile, photos posted by a Nigerians in South Africa page on Facebook, show Nigerian nationals protesting over the death of Olawunmi.
In other news, two Gateway Polytechnic students from Ode-Remo, Ogun State, and one other applicant student have died under unknown circumstances.
According to Punch, student remains were discovered on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, however, the cause of death has yet to be determined.
Based on reports, four pupils at the institution, as well as one applicant awaiting admission, suffered stomach issues after reportedly eating a spaghetti lunch. Two of the students and the applicant eventually gave up the ghost.
Bakari Habbeb, an ND2 student in the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Odu Selen, an ND1 student in the Department of Mass Communication, and Hameed, an Applicant of the School for the 23/24 academic session, have been named as the three confirmed deceased.
A circular confirming the occurrence, co-signed by the school’s Student Union President, Olatunji Idowu Alexander, and the SUG PRO, Tanimowo Joel, claimed that investigations into the cause of death are going on.
“It is with great grief in our heart that the Student Union Government (SUG) announces the passing on of three of our students in a household incident overnight,” the circular read in part.
We share in the grief of the management of the Institution, families, and all well-wishers in this unpleasant incident.
As much as the cause of their death remains unknown at the time of this release, we assure the public a well-detailed investigation and get to the root of the matter, come what may.”
Meanwhile, the schools’ second-semester test, originally planned for Monday, July 17, has been rescheduled until July 19th, due to the unexpected deaths of all three pupils.
Adebayo Folorunso, Head of Public Relations, acknowledged in a circular that the second-semester exams had been postponed owing to the sad situation.
“We appeal to the entire student populace to remain calm and peaceful noting that the management is abreast of the situation,” the circular read.
