The High Court of South Africa, Northern Cape Division, in Upington, has adjourned the trial of 35-year-old Nigerian national Emmanuel Chidi Okafor, who is accused of fatally stabbing a South African police officer during an altercation.
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape Division, announced on October 9, 2024, that the trial was paused after Okafor expressed dissatisfaction with his Legal Aid-appointed attorney.
Okafor faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and violations of the Refugees Act, specifically Sections 1, 22(12), and 22(14). He is alleged to have killed off-duty police officer Stefano Nico Visagie.
The case dates back to January 8, 2020, when Okafor had a verbal dispute with his neighbor, Ryno Renee van Wyk, in the farming town of Keimoes, near Upington. On that day, Officer Visagie was visiting van Wyk.
Witnesses reported that Okafor, who was drinking at his home, threatened to kill everyone in van Wyk’s house. Later that night, he allegedly entered the unlocked home armed with a sharp object and stabbed Constable Visagie, who was sleeping on the floor.
After the attack on Visagie, Okafor reportedly turned on van Wyk, stabbing him in the upper leg. A struggle ensued, resulting in injuries for both men. Other occupants heard the commotion, and one intervened with a spade, allowing van Wyk to escape while others fled.
After the attack, Okafor returned home to gather his belongings before fleeing. The weapon was later discovered in a lorry that had given him a ride, believed to have fallen from him during transit. He was eventually tracked down and arrested in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, and returned to the Northern Cape, where he remains in custody.
The trial was nearing conclusion when Okafor dismissed his legal representation.
The next court date is scheduled for October 28, 2024, to determine if Legal Aid can appoint a new attorney for him.
On that date, the State, represented by Senior State Advocate Jaques Rosenburg, and the defense will have the opportunity to agree on a suitable date to resume the proceedings.
