News24 | Slain KZN officer laid to rest, SAPS vows justice will be done

A KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Crime Intelligence police officer, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a deadly ambush in Mount Edgecombe, was laid to rest at his home in Amatikwe, Inanda, on Saturday.

Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo was honoured by family, friends, colleagues and senior police officials during an official funeral service held at Dr JL Dube High School in D Section, KwaMashu.

Crime Intelligence’s Major-General Nosipho Madondo and KZN’s Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Support Services, Major-General Siyanda Ngcobo, led a South African Police Service (SAPS) delegation at the service.

READ | Second cop dies from injuries after Durban Crime Intelligence ambush

Khuzwayo died almost a month after he and his colleague, Captain Cornelius Nel, were ambushed by unknown gunmen while on duty in Mount Edgecombe in April.

The gunmen allegedly opened fire on the officers with high-calibre firearms. Nel was declared dead at the scene, while the 39-year-old Khuzwayo was airlifted to hospital with multiple gunshot wounds.

Despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Speaking at the funeral, Madondo described Khuzwayo’s death as a major loss in the fight against organised crime.

“Investigations are at an advanced stage and we shall not rest until the killers are brought to justice.”

Earlier this week, KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli expressed shock and sadness following Khuzwayo’s passing, describing him as a committed public servant who paid the ultimate price in the fight against crime and in service to the nation.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sergeant Khuzwayo. As a province, we continue to pray and hope for his recovery following this senseless attack,” said Ntuli.

Ntuli said Khuzwayo’s death was a painful loss to his family, SAPS, and the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

He reiterated that an attack on a police officer is an attack on the authority of the state and the rule of law.

Ntuli called on communities to work closely with police by reporting criminal activities and providing information that may assist investigations.

He expressed confidence that those responsible for the murders of Khuzwayo and Nel would be arrested and brought to justice.

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