Nigerian man fatally shot by South African police during traffic stop
A 37-year-old Nigerian, Osinakachukwu Onu, was killed during a police traffic operation in South Africa’s North West Province. The incident happened in the early hours of December 17, 2025, on the N12 highway in Klerksdorp. Four police officers have been arrested in connection with the shooting. The case has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa.
What happened
- Osinakachukwu Onu was allegedly shot by police during a traffic stop at around 3am on December 17, 2025.
- Four traffic officers, aged 25 to 36, reportedly fled the scene but were later arrested by detectives.
- The officers face charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice, and are set to appear in court on December 18, 2025.
- Police seized the officers’ firearms for forensic analysis as part of the investigation.
- The incident adds to a series of violent attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, including the killing of two men in Durban in July 2025.
