Nigerian Killed During Highway Operation as South African Police Detain Officers

A routine traffic operation in South Africa’s North West Province has ended in tragedy after a Nigerian national was fatally shot, triggering an internal and criminal investigation into the conduct of police officers involved.

The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday along the N12 highway near Klerksdorp. The victim, Osinakachukwu Onu, aged 37, was travelling at the time of the encounter, which later escalated into a fatal shooting.

Authorities disclosed that Onu’s vehicle was subsequently found stationary on the opposite side of the highway, raising questions about the sequence of events leading up to his death and the actions taken at the scene.

Further inquiries revealed that the traffic officers linked to the operation did not remain at the location after the shooting. Their absence prompted a coordinated search by detectives in the area.

Four traffic police officers, aged between 25 and 36, were later tracked down and taken into custody. They are being held in connection with the death and are expected to face serious criminal charges.

As part of the investigation, the officers’ service weapons have been seized and submitted for forensic and ballistic analysis to determine the source of the fatal shot.

Provincial police leadership has acknowledged the arrests, describing them as an important step toward transparency while assuring that due process will be followed throughout the investigation.

The killing has reignited concerns among Nigerians living in South Africa, adding to a growing list of cases that have heightened fears over the safety of foreign nationals and the need for stronger accountability mechanisms.