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Osinakachukwu Onu, a Nigerian national has been shot dead during a traffic operation on the N12 highway in Klerksdorp, North West Province of South Africa.
Onu, 37, was reportedly killed in the early hours of Wednesday, December 17, during a police traffic operation.
According to a report by Independent Online (IOL), South African authorities have confirmed the arrest of four traffic police officers allegedly involved in the shooting.
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The North West provincial police said the four officers, aged between 25 and 36, were taken into custody on Wednesday after initially fleeing the scene of the shooting.
According to the report, detectives later tracked them down following preliminary investigations.
Confirming the arrests, Adéle Myburgh, provincial police spokesperson, said the officers are facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice in connection with Onu’s death.
Myburgh explained that the deceased was allegedly chased by four traffic officers while they were conducting routine operations on the N12 at about 3am.
“During the pursuit, Onu was reportedly shot. His vehicle was later discovered stalled in the middle of the road on the opposite side of the highway.”
Police said they were alerted to the incident and responded to the scene, only to find that the traffic officers involved had already left.
“Subsequent investigations led detectives to a location in Klerksdorp where the suspects were traced and arrested. The officers’ official firearms were seized and are expected to undergo forensic ballistic testing as part of the ongoing investigation.
“The four accused officers are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, December 18, to answer to charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice”, the report said.
Ryno Naidoo, North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, welcomed the arrests and praised the Klerksdorp detectives for what he described as a swift and effective response to the incident.
The police also noted that Onu was reportedly legally resident in South Africa at the time of his death.
The killing has renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, adding to a growing list of reported violent incidents involving Nigerian nationals in the country.
In July, two Nigerians identified simply as Austin and Ayo were reportedly shot dead in Durban.
The incident occurred on Thursday, July 9, when three masked gunmen allegedly stormed Austin’s office around 8pm and shot both men dead on the spot.
Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, according to the report.
