Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo, the second police officer wounded in a deadly ambush in Mount Edgecombe last month, has died in hospital after weeks of fighting for his life.

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Khuzwayo and Captain Louis Nel, both attached to the South African Police Service’s Crime Intelligence unit, were travelling in an unmarked state vehicle on April 30 when unknown gunmen opened fire on them.

Nel died at the scene while Khuzwayo was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds. Police confirmed on Monday night that Khuzwayo had succumbed to his injuries.

The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, condemned the killing and described the continued attacks on police officers as a threat to the country’s crime-fighting efforts.

“The loss of Sergeant Khuzwayo is yet another painful reminder of the dangers our members face daily in the execution of their duties. We remain deeply concerned by the targeting of police officers and are intensifying measures aimed at enhancing and improving police safety,” said Dimpane.

Nel was buried in Durban on May 8. His funeral was attended by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, police officials, family and friends.

Police said investigations into the shooting are continuing and a dedicated team is following up on leads linked to the attack.

Dimpane said SAPS remained committed to ensuring those responsible for the killings are arrested and prosecuted.

“We will not rest until those behind this senseless attack are found and prosecuted,” she said.

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