A 37-year-old Nigerian man, Osinakachukwu Onu, has been shot dead on the N12 highway in Klerksdorp, North West Province, South Africa, during a traffic operation allegedly involving police officers.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, December 17. According to a report by South African news outlet Independent Online (IOL), four traffic police officers connected to the shooting have been arrested.
Confirming the arrests, the North West Provincial Police Command said the officers, aged between 25 and 36, were apprehended on Wednesday after reportedly fleeing the scene. Detectives later tracked them down in Klerksdorp.
Police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said Onu, who was reportedly in South Africa legally, was allegedly chased by the officers while they were conducting a traffic operation on the N12 at about 3am. During the pursuit, he was reportedly shot.
His vehicle was later discovered stalled in the middle of the road on the opposite side of the highway. When police arrived at the scene, the traffic officers involved had already left.
Preliminary investigations led detectives to trace and arrest the suspects. Their official firearms have been seized and will undergo forensic ballistic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
The four officers are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Reacting to the development, the North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the arrests and praised the detectives for their swift response.
The killing adds to a growing number of reported cases involving the deaths of Nigerians in South Africa. In July, two Nigerians identified as Austin and Ayo were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Durban.