The Nigeria Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has again called for forensic investigation surrounding the death of a 54-year old Nigerian, Dr Francis Idika, in South Africa.
NICASA President, Mr Frank Onyekwelu, made this known during a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.
He expressed concern that the cause of Idika’s death, which occurred on March 30 at Vryheid Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, remained unclear.
He lamented the absence of any official report detailing the root cause of death of Idika, who served as Deputy Director and Medical Manager at the Vryheid Hospital in Zululand District before his passing.
According to Onyekwelu, NICASA is aware of a documented history of alleged bullying, intimidation, and sustained persecution that Idika endured under the hospital’s management.
“Idika was evicted from government-provided Mimosa flats by the Acting CEO, who claimed he had overstayed.
“However, his official position entitled him to that accommodation without a fixed time limit,” he said.
“This unjust treatment left him emotionally distressed and homeless. At times, he had no choice but to sleep in his car while searching for alternative housing.
“We are therefore demanding a forensic, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his tragic demise.
“The silence around this case is unacceptable, and NICASA will not allow it to be swept under the carpet,” Onyekwelu said.
He urged the Federal Government, the South African Ministry of Health, and the Government of South Africa to initiate a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone responsible for what he described as a “heinous crime” was brought to justice.
“An injustice to one is an injustice to all. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.
In a related development, the Public Servants Association (PSA) also issued a statement on Idika’s death.
It alleged that Idika had suffered victimisation, wrongful disciplinary actions, and abuse at the hands of certain managers at Vryheid Hospital over the years.
According to the PSA, Idika was demoted twice. From 2019 onward, in spite of their efforts to defend him, he continued to face repeated disciplinary charges each year.
“PSA supported Idika in protecting his rights until his questionable death.
“He endured persistent persecution simply for upholding ethical medical standards and defending his colleagues and patients,” the statement read.
The association expressed deep concern over the absence of an official medical report outlining the true cause of his death.
It however, called for calm among its members as they awaited official statements from the family and relevant authorities.
PSA also echoed the call for a full forensic investigation to be conducted by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, law enforcement agencies, and appropriate government institutions.
A funeral mass for Idika was held on April 10, at St. John Fisher Catholic Church, 321 The Hillside Street, Lynnwood, Pretoria, South Africa.
He is survived by his wife, Nneka Idika; son, Benjamin Idika; daughter, Angel Idika; his mother, as well as brothers and sisters. (NAN)
