The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has called for a transparent investigation into the death of Dr Francis Idika, a medical manager at the Vryheid Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.
NUSA made the call in a statement on Monday after its officials visited the widow of the deceased in Pretoria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Idika, who served the Vryheid community for 18 years, was found dead on March 30.
NAN reports that the deceased is survived by a wife and two children.
NUSA, in the statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Mr Akindele Olunloye, rejected claims by the hospital authorities that Idika committed suicide.
It demanded accountability from the South African authorities regarding the true circumstances surrounding Idika’s death.
The statement, however, said NUSA would collaborate with the South African National Civic Organisation, the Public Servants Association of South Africa and the Nigerian Doctors Forum of South Africa on the matter.
It also said the Nigerian government missions in South Africa would be involved to ensure that the systemic abuse of Nigerian professionals was dealt with.
NUSA, in the statement, further claimed that it had unveiled “a troubling pattern of harassment and mistreatment directed at Dr Idika before his death.”
“Dr. Idika endured years of victimisation, wrongful disciplinary actions, and abuse at the hands of certain managers at Vryheid Hospital.
“We demand justice for the late Dr Idika who served the Vryheid community with commitment for 18 years.
“Before his death, he was harassed multiple times.
“At one point in December 2024, he was humiliated out of his apartment.
“His things were found in a separate room, with his personal belongings scattered all over,” it said.
The apex body of Nigerians in South Africa requested that the Department of Health should provide support for his family in this time of grief.
It also demanded that the department retract its statement on SABC and eNews that heretically committed suicide.
“The report of the post-mortem states that he died of natural causes.
“We are certain from our assessment of this case that Dr Idika died of frustration from the continuous bullying, pressure, and gross abuse from the hospital management,” the union said.
The body demanded an immediate forensic, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Idika’s death.
It also called for accountability for those responsible for the alleged bullying and harassment of Idika.
NUSA, in the statement, further called for a review of policies protecting foreign professionals working in South African institutions.
According to the statement, NUSA will continue to ensure that justice is served and that no other Nigerian professional in South Africa suffers a similar fate.
