The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dismissed social media claims surrounding the death of a Nigerian national in police custody in Sunnyside, Tshwane.
Police said the man was arrested on 28 June 2026 by the SAPS Tshwane Drugs Team for allegedly possessing drugs. During the arrest, he “collapsed” while being escorted into custody.
“Members immediately called for medical assistance. Paramedics attended the scene and declared him dead,” SAPS said.
The police confirmed that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was notified immediately because the death occurred in police custody. An inquest docket and a drug possession case have been opened while investigations continue pending the post-mortem results.
SAPS also rejected claims linking the incident to anti-illegal immigration protests.
“SAPS strongly rejects attempts to link this incident to anti-illegal immigrants’ protests. Such claims are baseless and an attempt to mislead the public,” the statement said.
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