DURBAN — Police in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday bid a final farewell to 39-year-old Crime Intelligence Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo, who died in hospital after surviving a brutal ambush last month.

Khuzwayo was laid to rest following a formal police funeral service held at Dr JL Dube High School in KwaMashu.

On 30 April 2026, Sergeant Khuzwayo and his colleague, Captain Cornelius Nel, were travelling in an unmarked state vehicle in Mount Edgecombe when they were targeted by suspects armed with high-calibre firearms.

Captain Nel was declared dead at the scene. Sergeant Khuzwayo sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds on Sunday, 24 May 2026, after a weeks-long fight for survival.

Speaking to mourners, Crime Intelligence Major General Nosipho Madondo stated that investigations into the deadly attack are at an advanced stage. Madondo vowed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) would not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane condemned the ambush, calling the murders a direct assault on the authority of the state. No arrests have been made yet, and the hunt for the suspects remains underway.