The Upington Division of the High Court has sentenced Chidi Emmanuel Okafor, a 38-year-old man, to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of a police officer in Keimoes, Northern Cape.

Northern Cape Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said that the crime occurred in January 2020, when Okafor attacked the officer and his friend while they were sleeping. The officer was stabbed to death, and his friend escaped with serious injuries.

Okafor was charged with housebreaking with intent to commit murder, attempted murder, and murder. He disappeared after the incident but was later traced to Klerksdorp and arrested. After a lengthy trial, Okafor was convicted in August 2024 and sentenced on March 18.

"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," said Major General Stephen Mabuela, Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Northern Cape.

"As such, we welcome and appreciate the sentence."

The Upington Hawks Serious Organised Crime members were praised for their efforts in tracing and investigating Okafor. The sentence handed down to Okafor is seen as a victory for justice and a deterrent to those who would harm law enforcement officers.

In an unrelated matter, Jan-Ray April, 28, was convicted of two counts of fraud by the Upington Regional Court on the same day. April bought two vehicles worth R749,999 using fraudulent documents and was sentenced to six years' imprisonment, suspended for five years.

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stephenmabuela

Justice served | Cop killer gets life sentence in Northern Cape