Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
An Nigerian man of Igbo, Mr Osinakachukwu Onu, 37, has been shot dead by South African police officers at a traffic checkpoint on the N12 highway in Klerksdorp, North West Province, South Africa.
Meanwhile, four traffic police officers have reportedly been arrested in connection with the killing.
The North West Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the officers, aged between 25 and 36, were arrested on Wednesday after they allegedly fled the scene following the shooting but were later tracked down by detectives.
In a statement, the police said: “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 the North West provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh, Onu was allegedly shot and killed at about 3 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, during a traffic operation on the N12 highway.
She said the deceased, who was reportedly legally resident in South Africa, was allegedly chased by four traffic officers while they were conducting operations. During the pursuit, he was shot.
His vehicle was later found stalled in the middle of the road on the opposite side of the N12.
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 officers’ official firearms 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 statement added.
Reacting to the development, 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.
