Pretoria: 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 this demand in a statement following a visit by its officials to the widow of the deceased in Pretoria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Idika, who had served the Vryheid community for 18 years, was found dead on March 30. The deceased leaves behind a wife and two children. NUSA, through a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Akindele Olunloye, rejected claims by the hospital authorities that Idika committed suicide. The organization demanded accountability from the South African authorities to clarify the true circumstances surrounding Idika’s death.
The statement from NUSA indicated that the union would collaborate with the South African National Civic Organisation, Public Servants Association of South Africa, and the Nigerian Doctors Forum of South Africa on this matter. Furthermore, Nigerian government missions in South Africa have been urged to ensure that any systemic abuse of Nigerian professionals is addressed.
NUSA revealed a pattern of harassment and mistreatment directed at Dr. Idika before his death. The statement detailed how Dr. Idika endured victimisation, wrongful disciplinary actions, and abuse from certain managers at Vryheid Hospital. NUSA emphasized the need for justice for Dr. Idika, who served the Vryheid community with dedication for 18 years. The union highlighted incidents of harassment, including an episode in December 2024, where Dr. Idika was reportedly humiliated out of his apartment, with his belongings found scattered in a separate room.
The Nigerian Union requested that the Department of Health provide support to Dr. Idika’s family during their time of grief and demanded a retraction of the department’s statement on SABC and eNews regarding the alleged suicide. NUSA pointed out that the post-mortem report indicated Dr. Idika died of natural causes and asserted that his death was a result of frustration from continuous bullying and pressure from the hospital management.
NUSA called for an immediate forensic, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Idika’s death. The union also demanded accountability for those responsible for the alleged bullying and harassment of Dr. Idika. Furthermore, the statement urged a review of policies protecting foreign professionals working in South African institutions. NUSA affirmed its commitment to ensure justice is served and to prevent other Nigerian professionals in South Africa from facing a similar plight.