Hundreds of mourners gathered at Lwandlana Location in Mqanduli to pay their last respects at the funeral service of the late Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo at his ancestral home on 02 October.

Warrant Officer Magoxo (51) was a member of the Mthatha National Intervention Unit.

According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, he was brutally murdered on the morning of 18 September at Ziphunzana Location in Sikhobeni, Libode, while responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects attacked a spaza shop.

“He was killed alongside his colleague, Constable Ntlahla Tyhali, aged 30, of Mthatha Public Order Policing,” she said. “Both members were found with gunshot wounds, and their service pistols were stolen.”

Gantana added that throughout most of his career, Warrant Officer Magoxo served in specialised units, starting at Crime Intelligence before moving to the National Intervention Unit in 2007, where he served for almost twenty years.

“His commitment, discipline and courage in the line of duty remained an inspiration to his colleagues and the communities he served.”

The MEC for Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, and the MEC for Health, Ntandokazi Capa, were among the dignitaries attending.

Gantana added that SAPS leadership present included Lieutenant General Maropeng Mamothethi, Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing; Major General Nonhlanhla Zulu, Component Head: Specialised Operations; Major General Nolitha Tito, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Support Services; and Major General Norman Modishana, District Commissioner for the OR Tambo District.

Delivering a message on behalf of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Mamothethi commended the Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, and every member who worked tirelessly, day and night, to ensure that those responsible were swiftly pursued.

“Their professionalism and determination send a clear message that those who attack police officers will be relentlessly pursued, arrested where possible, and brought before the courts to face the full might of the law.

“This operation demonstrates the resolve of the SAPS. We will not allow criminals to believe that they can attack police officers, steal police firearms, and act with impunity. Our response will always be swift, intelligence-driven, lawful and unwavering,” said Mamothethi.

In his keynote address, MEC Nqatha lauded the dedication of Warrant Officer Magoxo to serving the citizens of the Eastern Cape.

“The tragic departure of Warrant Officer Magoxo is a loss not only to the Magoxo family, friends, and colleagues, but also to the Lwandlana community and the entire Province,” he said. “On behalf of the provincial government, I sincerely thank the Magoxo family for lending us their son to serve the nation. For this, we will forever be grateful for his tireless contribution to the fight against crime in this province.”

The SAPS extended its deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Warrant Officer Magoxo, with Gantana stating that the organisation would continue to support them during this difficult period.

Constable Ntlahla Tyhali will be laid to rest on Sunday, 4 October at St Augustine Location, kuTsolo. “The SAPS will similarly support his family and colleagues as they prepare to bid him farewell.”

Gantana added that SAPS reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all those responsible for the murders of Warrant Officer Magoxo and Constable Tyhali were brought to book.

“Following the activation of a 72-hour plan, two suspects were arrested, while three others were fatally wounded during intelligence-driven follow-up operations,” she said. “One AK-47 rifle and three handguns were recovered in connection with the case.”

Gantana added that charges including attack on police, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and an inquest docket were being investigated. “The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) attended the scenes,” she concluded.

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