Four traffic police officers in South Africa have been arrested for the fatal shooting of a Nigerian man on the N12 highway in Klerksdorp, North West Province. The officers, aged between 25 and 36, reportedly fled the scene but were later tracked down by detectives. The victim, 37-year-old Osinakachukwu Onu, was killed during a traffic operation, prompting an immediate police investigation.
Klerksdorp detectives have arrested four traffic police officers on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice following the death of 37-year-old Osinakachukwu Marcus Onu.
According to North West provincial police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, Onu was allegedly shot and killed at around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, during a traffic operation on the N12 highway. Reports indicate that Onu, who was legally in South Africa, was pursued by the officers during the operation.
During the chase, Onu was reportedly shot, and his vehicle was later found stalled in the middle of the road on the opposite side of the N12 highway.
Klerksdorp detectives have arrested four traffic police officers in connection with the killing of 37-year-old, Osinakachukwu Marcus Onu. The officers, whose official firearms were seized for forensic ballistic analysis, are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, December 18, facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Police said they were alerted to the incident but found that the traffic officers had already left the scene. Preliminary investigations led detectives to a location in Klerksdorp, where the suspects were traced and apprehended.
Reacting to the arrests, North West Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo praised the detectives for their swift and effective response.
The killing adds to a disturbing trend of violence against Nigerians in South Africa. In July, two Nigerians, Austin and Ayo, were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Durban, highlighting ongoing safety concerns for Nigerian nationals in the country.
On Thursday, July 9, around 8 pm, three masked gunmen reportedly stormed Austin’s office. Upon entering, they encountered two men inside and shot them dead on the spot.