A 37-year-old Nigerian man, Osinakachukwu Onu, has been shot dead on the N12 highway in Klerksdorp, North West Province, South Africa, allegedly by police officers during a traffic operation.
PUNCH Metro learnt on Thursday, from a report published by Independent Online (IOL), a South African news outlet, that four traffic police officers have been arrested in connection with the killing.
Confirming the development, the North West police said the officers, aged between 25 and 36, were arrested on Wednesday after they reportedly fled the scene following the shooting but were later tracked down by detectives.
The report stated, “Four traffic police officers aged between 25 and 36 have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a Nigerian national on the N12 in Klerksdorp.
“The officers were arrested by Klerksdorp detectives 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 about 3am on Wednesday, December 17, during a traffic operation on the N12. It is alleged that the deceased, who was reportedly legally in South Africa, was chased by four traffic officers while they were conducting operations.
“During the pursuit, Onu was allegedly shot. His vehicle was later found stalled in the middle of the road on the opposite side of the N12.
“The police said they were alerted to the incident and responded to the scene, where they discovered that the traffic officers involved had already left.”
The report added that preliminary investigations led detectives to a location in Klerksdorp, where the suspects were traced and arrested.
Their official firearms, according to the report, were seized and will undergo forensic ballistic analysis as part of ongoing investigations.
“The four accused police officers are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, December 18, on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice,” the report said.
Reacting, the North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the arrests and commended the Klerksdorp detectives for what he described as a swift and effective response.
The killing adds to a growing list of reported cases of Nigerians being killed in South Africa.
In July, PUNCH Metro reported the brutal killing of two Nigerians, identified simply as Austin and Ayo, who were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Durban.
The incident occurred on Thursday, July 9, when three gunmen reportedly stormed Austin’s office at about 8pm.
Upon gaining entry, the assailants, said to be wearing masks, met the two men inside the office and shot them dead on the spot.
