In a significant breakthrough, two suspects have been arrested and three others fatally wounded in police operations following the killing of two police officers in Libode, near Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape. The arrests come after the South African Police Service (SAPS) activated a 72-hour plan to trace those linked to the deaths of Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo (51) and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali (30). The officers were killed while responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects allegedly attacked a spaza shop and demanded money from the operator.
The two arrested suspects, a 29-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man, were apprehended at Ngolo Location in Sibangweni during an intelligence-driven operation by Mthatha Crime Intelligence, together with the Mthatha K9 Unit. They were found in possession of an AK47 rifle and assorted ammunition and face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. SAPS Eastern Cape spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, confirmed the arrests and provided details about the seized items.
Further follow-up operations led to two other male suspects, who police said were linked to the officers' murders, being fatally wounded at Ngolo village in Libode. Two handguns were recovered. This brings the number of suspects fatally wounded during the operations to three. Charges including attack on police, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition are being investigated.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata commended the teams involved in the operation, highlighting the swift and intelligence-driven nature of the arrests and fatal confrontations. Ncata emphasized that the police will not rest until every remaining role player is held accountable and the full might of the law takes its course.
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane also commended the Eastern Cape police and the multidisciplinary teams involved. Dimpane acknowledged the loss of Magoxo and Tyhali, stating that their families, colleagues, and loved ones remain in the organization's thoughts. The SAPS will continue to support them while ensuring that the work these members were doing in service to the people of South Africa does not stop.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate attended the scenes, and an inquest docket has been opened. The SAPS continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killings of the two police officers and the subsequent operations that led to the arrest of two suspects and the fatal wounding of three others.
Key points
- Two suspects arrested in connection with the killing of two police officers in Libode, Eastern Cape.
- Three suspects fatally wounded during police operations linked to the officers' murders.
- Police operations resulted in the recovery of several firearms and ammunition.
