Xolile Mtembu|Updated1 hour agoCaptain Louis Nel: A hero’s farewell at his emotional funeral

Police officers escort Captain Louis Nel’s coffin into the church Grief filled the Durban Christian Centre on Friday as mourners gathered to bid farewell to slain police officer Captain Louis Nel. Nel along with his partnerwere ambushed in Mount Edgecombeon Thursday, April 30. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, senior police officials, SAPS members, devastated relatives and friends packed the church to honour the fallen officer, described as a fearless crime fighter and elite operator.

Delivering the eulogy, Premier Ntuli described Captain Nel as a courageous and committed law enforcement officer who dedicated his life to protecting the people of KZN. “Captain Nel will be remembered for his bravery, dedication to duty, and selfless service to the nation. May his soul rest in eternal peace and rise in glory,” the Premier said.

Delivering an emotional address, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General NhlanhlaMkhwanazi said the killinghad struck at the heart of the SAPS. “The service has a lot of employees,” he told mourners, before explaining the enormous role played by Crime Intelligence in the province’s war against violent crime. “So, the role played by the division of Crime Intelligence, for which Captain Nel was working, is very importantwas working for, is very important in the fight against crime in the province.” he role played by the division of Crime Intelligence, for which Captain Nel was working, is very important Mkhwanazi revealed thatNelhad also served as a highly trained Special Task Force operator, one of the country’s elite tactical units tasked with taking down dangerous criminals. “So, he was not just a collector, a person who shares information but a person that can respond when the contact comes his way,” he said.