By RismadarVoice Media, December 19, 2025
A 37-year-old Nigerian national, Osinakachukwu Marcus Onu, has been shot dead on the N12 highway in Klerksdorp, North West Province, South Africa, allegedly by traffic police officers during a routine operation.
According to a report by South African news outlet Independent Online (IOL), four traffic police officers have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Confirming the development, the North West provincial police said the officers, aged between 25 and 36, were arrested on Wednesday after they allegedly fled the scene of the shooting, however were later tracked down by detectives.
In a statement, the police disclosed that the officers were arrested by Klerksdorp detectives on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice following the death of Onu.
North West provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh, said the incident occurred at about 3am on Wednesday, December 17, during a traffic operation on the N12 highway.
According to her, the deceased, who was reportedly in South Africa legally, was allegedly pursued by four traffic officers while they were conducting operations.
“During the pursuit, the victim was allegedly shot. His vehicle was later discovered stalled in the middle of the road on the opposite side of the N12,” Myburgh said.
Police said they were alerted to the incident and responded to the scene, only to discover that the traffic officers involved had already left.
Preliminary investigations later led detectives to another location in Klerksdorp, where the suspects were traced and arrested.
Their official firearms were seized, will undergo forensic ballistic analysis as part of ongoing investigations.
The four accused officers are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, December 18, to face 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, commended the Klerksdorp detectives for what he described as a swift, effective response.
The killing adds to a growing list of reported cases involving the deaths of Nigerians in South Africa.
In July, two Nigerians, identified as Austin and Ayo were shot dead by unknown gunmen in Durban.
