The murder trial of Nigerian national Emmanuel Chidi Okafor, 35, was postponed in the Northern Cape High Court after the accused expressed dissatisfaction with his state-appointed lawyer from Legal Aid South Africa.
THE MURDER trial involving Nigerian national Emmanuel Chidi Okafor, 35, had to be adjourned as the accused is “no longer happy” with his legal representative from Legal Aid South Africa.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said on Wednesday that Okafor was charged with the murder of an off-duty SAPS member as well as the attempted murder of his neighbour.
“He is facing a charge of murder, attempted murder and contravention of the Refugees Act. The matter had to be postponed in the Northern Cape High Court, sitting in Upington,” said Senokoatsane.
He explained that Okafor, who lived in the small farming town of Keimoes, had a verbal altercation with his neighbour, Ryno Renee van Wyk, on January 8, 2020.
“On the fateful day, police officer Stefano Nico Visagie and other people were visiting Van Wyk and drinking. It is alleged that Okafor, who was also in his house drinking and smoking with his friends, informed them that he was going to kill everyone who was in the Van Wyk household.”
Senokatsane added that during the trial, witnesses indicated that while everyone was asleep, the accused entered Van Wyk’s house through a door that was unlocked, armed with a sharp object.
“He stabbed Constable Stefano Nico Visagie who was sleeping on the floor. The accused proceeded on his merciless rampage by attacking Van Wyk, whom he stabbed in his upper leg,” Senokatsane stated.
“During the tussle for the weapon between Van Wyk and Okafor, the accused was also injured in the process. Other people who were sleeping in the house heard the victim screaming.”
Senokatsane said that a person in the house attacked Okafor with a spade, whereupon Van Wyk managed to escape.
“The accused began attacking other people, although they also managed to escape,” he added.
Senokoatsane said Okafor reportedly returned to his home, gathered some belongings, and fled the scene.
“The weapon that was used by the accused was later found in a lorry that had given the accused a lift. It is believed the weapon fell from his trousers while he was in transit.”
He added that Okafor was arrested following an intelligence-driven, multi-disciplinary investigation.
“The accused was traced and arrested in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, and was brought back to the Northern Cape, where he was remanded in custody.”
Senokoatsane explained that Okafor fired his legal representative just before the trial was about to be concluded.
“Therefore the matter was postponed until October 28 to hear if Legal Aid South Africa will be able to appoint a new legal practitioner for the accused until the trial is concluded. On that date, senior State advocate Jaques Rosenberg and the defence will determine a suitable date for the matter to continue,” he stated.
