HE was a man of integrity, his professionalism and loyalty were unquestioned, and his death was a great loss not only to the police force, but also to the Durban North community.

Those were some of the tributes given by fellow Greenwood Park officers speaking after the death of Capt Basil Naidoo, who was shot dead on Friday morning during an armed robbery attempt. Some police officers were too distraught to speak about the incident.

The armed robbery which took place at a complex on Riverside Road on Friday, saw two suspects confront the owner of the one of the units after he opened the door to let his cats out. The suspects also assaulted a gardner who was sweeping the driveway at the time, they then tied him up alongside the owner of the house. The brazen duo then confronted the owner’s wife who was asleep and hit her over the head with the butt of the gun. She managed to free herself and call 10111, the police emergency line.

The robbers ransacked the house and were piling items into the owners car when they were confronted by Naidoo. A shootout ensued and one of the suspects was shot dead, Capt Naidoo, died of a fatal gun shot wound to the head. The second suspect is still at large and was reportedly shot in the leg.

Naidoo, an Avoca resident was due to complete his 30th year in the police force at the end of this month. Greenwood Park SAPS spokesman, Lt Elvis Naidoo said he was shocked and extremely saddened by Naidoo’s death. “I was very close to Basil. He was always smiling and cracking jokes, we related very well,” the lieutenant recalled.

“He was one of the finest police officers I’ve known. He commanded authority and respect and was well liked. We are devastated by his loss,” he said. Lt Elvis said Naidoo had a passion for long distance running and had run a number of Comrades Marathon.

Pastor Dean Ivey, from the Rivers Church also paid tribute to Naidoo, who was an active member of the church. “Basil was a living example of what it means to be a Christian man. He loved God, loved his family, loved his church, and loved his community. He served as a faithful volunteer in our church, and was committed to uplifting the lives of others.

“Basil always left others feeling encouraged. He was a generous man with a big heart, and brought life and laughter to whatever he did. Basil has left a big hole in Rivers Church and he will be dearly missed by many people,” Ivey said.

Naidoo leaves behind his wife and two daughters. He was buried over the weekend at the Redhill Cemetery.

Click on the link to read the original story: Police vow to arrest officer’s killer