IT has been a year since Captain Basil Naidoo, a Greenwood Park SAPS policeman, was slain while responding to an armed robbery in Riverside Road. One of his killers remains at large.

To honour Naidoo and commemorate his sacrifice an intimate memorial was held at the station this morning. The memorial was organised by the Greenwood Park Community Policing Forum Sector Four as well as the Greenwood Park SAPS.

Naidoo was killed during an armed robbery on 14 Mach last year. A shootout ensued shortly after Naidoo was ambushed by two robbers targeting a unit at a complex on Riverside Road.
The duo were ransacking the home and piling items into the owner’s vehicle when Naidoo confronted them.

During the shootout Naidoo died of a fatal gun shot wound to the head. One of the suspects were also killed, but his accomplice managed to flee the scene and evaded police custody, said Lt Elvis Naidoo, who was the spokesperson for the station at the time of the incident. The second suspect was allegedly shot in the leg.

Prior to the shooting the robbers assaulted the home owner’s wife as well as the gardener. The wife managed to call the authorities.

Col Mbongeni Mngadi, the station commander, confirmed that no arrests have been made.

Brain Daish, chairman of the Greenwood Park Community Policing Forum Sector Four, said, “We wanted to pay our respects to the fallen officer who died one year ago, and to highlight the fact that no arrests have been made thus far.”

Paul Khan, of the Parkhill Neighbourhood Watch, said that he was proud to support an initiative that honoured Naidoo, who died a hero.. “He sacrificed himself to protect others. That should be honoured and remembered. Something similar should be done for all of the fallen heroes. I hope to facilitate a Family Day dedicated to the men and woman who have died while serving the community,” he said.

Mngadi echoed Khan’s sentiments, suggesting that regular memorials should be held. “Each and every one of the dedicated officers have left a void at the station. Their memories and sacrifice should not be forgotten and we hope to facilitate regular memorials to commemorate that,” he said.

Naidoo, an Avoca Hills resident, was due to complete his 30th year in the police force at the time of his death.

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