Klerksdorp – Four National Traffic Police officers accused of killing Nigerian national Osinakachukwu Macus Onu have been denied bail by the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court following their first appearance on Thursday.
The accused officers Inspector Rudolph Foromo aged 29 Inspector Smanga Dladla aged 31 Inspector Colani Senzo Dlamini aged 34 and Inspector Vusumuzi Justice Simelane aged 36 are facing a charge of murder linked to the fatal shooting of the 37 year old during a traffic operation on the N12 in Klerksdorp in the North West province.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when Onu was allegedly shot. His vehicle was later discovered stalled in the middle of the road on the opposite side of the highway. Police said the officers involved had already left the scene by the time officers responding to the report arrived.
Investigations led Klerksdorp detectives to trace and arrest the four officers. Their service firearms were seized and will undergo forensic ballistic testing as part of the ongoing probe. The officers also face an additional charge of defeating the ends of justice.
Onu was reported to have been legally in South Africa at the time of the incident. Police allege he was pursued by the officers while they were conducting routine traffic duties.
The case has drawn attention in the region including in Eswatini where incidents involving law enforcement conduct beyond the country’s borders are closely followed due to frequent cross border movement within Southern Africa.
The court ordered that the accused remain in custody and return to the Klerksdorp Magistrates Court on Friday 19 December 2025.
North West acting provincial commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo welcomed the arrests and commended detectives for acting swiftly. He also acknowledged members of the public whose information assisted police and called for continued cooperation with law enforcement as investigations continue.
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