Cop Killer Jailed For Life In Keimoes

The Upington Division of the High Court have sentenced to life imprisonment, a Nigerian national, Chidi Emmanuel Okafor (38) for the brutal killing of a police officer in Keimoes, Northern Cape.

The shocking incident took place in January 2020,  when Okafor attacked a police officer and his friend while they were sleeping.

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The officer, who was part of the Upington Public Order Policing (POP) unit, was tragically stabbed to death, while his friend suffered serious injuries but managed to escape.

Okafor was initially charged with housebreaking with intent to commit murder, attempted murder,murder, and was eventually sentenced to life imprisonment.

After the attack, Okafor fled the scene, evading capture for a considerable amount of time.

However, the Upington Hawks Serious Organised Crime Unit after series of investigation arrested him in Klerksdorp.

Following a lengthy trial, Okafor was found guilty in August 2024, and the court handed down a life sentence on March 18, 2025, for the murder of the police officer.

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Additionally, aside the life imprisonment, Okafor received a 10-year prison sentence for attempted murder, with both sentences running concurrently.

Hawks’ Investigation Brings Justice

After Okafor’s arrest, he was brought back to face justice, and the court process finally culminated in a sentence.

Major General Stephen Mabuela, the Provincial Head of Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Northern Cape, commended the investigative team for their dedication.

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Manuela  in a statement after the verdict said, “The killing of police officers puts a strain on our crime-fighting efforts and can be considered a direct attack on the authority of the state.

“As such, we welcome and appreciate the sentence.”

Fraud Conviction

In an unrelated case, the Upington Regional Court also convicted Jan-Ray April (28) on two counts of fraud on the same day, March 18, 2025.

April had purchased two vehicles worth R749,999 using fraudulent documents, including a fake employment confirmation and contract.

The vehicles were later repossessed after an investigation by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team.

April’s fraudulent actions led to a potential loss of R749,999 for a reputable vehicle finance house.

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He was sentenced to six years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, provided he does not commit the same offense during the suspension period.

Additionally, April was ordered to compensate the finance house with a payment of R258,000 and was declared unfit to possess a firearm under Section 103(1) of the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000.

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