The High Court of South Africa, Northern Cape Division, sitting in Upington, has adjourned the trial of Emmanuel Chidi Okafor, a 35-year-old Nigerian national accused of killing a South African police officer.
The trial, which was expected to proceed this week, was adjourned after Okafor expressed dissatisfaction with his Legal Aid-appointed attorney, according to The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa.
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape, announced on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, that the court halted proceedings following Okafor’s request for new legal representation.
Okafor is charged with murder, attempted murder, and violations of the Refugees Act, including the contravention of Sections 1, 22(12), and 22(14).
The charges stem from a deadly altercation on January 8, 2020, between Okafor and his neighbor, Ryno Renee van Wyk, an off-duty member of the South African Police Service.
During the argument, Okafor allegedly stabbed van Wyk, leading to the officer’s death.
Okafor and van Wyk were neighbors in the small farming town of Keimoes, near Upington in the Northern Cape.
On the day of the incident, Police Constable Stefano Nico Visagie, along with others, was visiting van Wyk’s home, where they were drinking.
Meanwhile, Okafor was at his own house with friends, drinking and smoking.
According to witnesses, Okafor told his friends he intended to kill everyone in the van Wyk household.
During the trial, the court heard that later that night, after everyone in van Wyk’s house had gone to sleep, Okafor entered through an unlocked door. Armed with a sharp object, he attacked Constable Visagie, who was sleeping on the floor, fatally stabbing him.
It was gathered that after killing the officer, Okafor reportedly continued his attack, stabbing van Wyk in the upper leg.
However, a struggle ensued between van Wyk and Okafor, during which the attacker was also injured. Other occupants of the house were awakened by the commotion, and one person struck Okafor with a spade, allowing van Wyk to escape.
Although Okafor attempted to attack the others, they also managed to flee.
After the attack, Okafor reportedly returned to his home, gathered some belongings, and fled.
The weapon he used was later discovered in a lorry that had given him a ride, believed to have fallen from his trousers during the journey.
With the efforts of an intelligence-driven investigation, Okafor was tracked down and arrested in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.
He was taken back to the Northern Cape, where he remains in custody.
The trial was nearing its conclusion when Okafor dismissed his legal team, causing a delay.
Meanwhile, the next hearing is set for 28 October 2024, when it will be determined if Legal Aid can appoint a new attorney for him.
However, the State, led by Senior State Advocate Jaques Rosenburg, and the defense will also agree on a new trial date to continue.