South African authorities have opened an investigation into the death of a Nigerian, Chika Ibe, but admitted that he became unwell and died while police were arresting him.

Amid public uproar over Mr Ibe’s death at the hands of the police, the Western Cape Police, in a statement on Monday, said, “An independent investigation has been initiated following the death of a 42-year-old man during a police operation in Bellville on Thursday, 23/07.”

It added, “As is standard procedure in incidents of this nature, the circumstances surrounding the death are the subject of an independent investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).”

Last week, Peoples Gazette reported how Mr Ibe died at the hands of the South African police amid xenophobic violence ravaging the country and forcing many Africans to flee for their lives.

The police admitted that “while the suspect (Mr Ibe) was being placed under arrest, he allegedly became unwell and collapsed.”

Although the police “immediately requested emergency medical assistance, and paramedics responded to the scene and attempted to resuscitate the suspect,” Mr Ibe “was unfortunately declared deceased at the scene,” the police said.

According to the police, members attached to the Public Order Police (POP) Lockdown III Operation acted on information relating to the alleged possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and drugs at a residence in Parksig Villas, Bellville.

The police said, “Upon arriving at the premises, the members obtained permission to enter and searched the premises. During the operation, they recovered an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, 258 mandrax tablets, and a quantity of suspected crystal methamphetamine.”