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.
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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.
