Four traffic cops arrested for murder after Nigerian national fatally shot on the N12
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, North West police confirmed on Wednesday.
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 Macus Onu.
According to North West provincial police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, Onu was allegedly shot and killed at about 3 am on Wednesday, 17 December, 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.
Police said they were alerted to the incident and responded to the scene, where they discovered that the traffic officers involved had already left. Preliminary investigations led detectives to a location in Klerksdorp, where the suspects were traced.
The officers’ official firearms were seized and will undergo forensic ballistic analysis as part of the investigation.
The four accused police officers are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 18 December, on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Meanwhile, North West acting provincial commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, has welcomed the arrests and commended Klerksdorp detectives for what he described as a swift and effective response.
He also thanked members of the public who assisted police with information that led to the arrests, and urged communities to continue working with law enforcement to help resolve crime.
Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting are continuing.
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