Four traffic police officers in South Africa have been taken into custody following the fatal shooting of a Nigerian national. The incident, which has sparked outrage, occurred on a major highway in the North West province.
The Fatal Encounter on the N12
The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Osinakachukwu Marcus Onu, a Nigerian man who was legally residing in South Africa. The tragic event unfolded on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, along the N12 highway in the Klerksdorp area.
According to reports, Onu was pursued by a team of four traffic officers from the national traffic department (RTM road traffic management). The officers, whose ages range from 25 to 36 years, were conducting routine operations at the time. During the chase, the deceased was allegedly shot.
Swift Police Investigation Leads to Arrests
After the shooting, Onu's vehicle was discovered abandoned in the middle of the road on the opposite side of the N12. His body was also found on the roadway. Authorities were alerted and responded promptly to the scene, but the traffic officials involved had already departed.
Detectives from the Klerksdorp police swiftly launched an investigation. Acting on information received, they tracked down the suspects to a location in Klerksdorp. The officers' official firearms were seized for forensic ballistic analysis to determine their involvement in the shooting.
Court Appearance and Commendation for Detectives
The four accused traffic officers are scheduled to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court on Thursday, December 18. They will face formal charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice for allegedly leaving the scene.
The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Naidoo, publicly praised the Klerksdorp detectives for their rapid and effective response to the case. He also expressed gratitude to members of the public who provided crucial information that led to the swift arrests, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring justice is served.
