LIBODE – Several firearms and rounds of ammunition have been recovered during a Hawks operation in Libode as part of the investigation into the murders of two Mthatha police officers.
The operation was conducted in the early hours of 22 September at Ezinkumbini location in the Empindweni Administrative Area, where police were executing a search warrant after receiving information about a local taxi owner allegedly in possession of unlicensed firearms.
The 45-year-old man was fatally wounded when police allege he discharged a firearm through a glass door towards officers during the search.
The search formed part of an investigation into the deaths of Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo, 51, of the Mthatha National Intervention Unit, and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali, 30, of Mthatha Public Order Policing, who were killed at Ziphunzana on 18 September.
Crucial information leads Hawks to property
The deceased members were responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects attacked a spaza shop and demanded money from the shop operator. Both officers’ service pistols were stolen during the attack.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the joint operation was conducted following the development of crucial information indicating that a local taxi owner was allegedly in possession of unlicensed firearms suspected to have been used in the commission of the crimes.
“Acting on the information received, police secured a search warrant, which was subsequently executed at approximately 03:00 at Ezinkumbini location, Empindweni Administrative Area in Libode. Upon arrival, police members identified themselves and requested access to the premises.
“The main door was opened by the male owner, 45, who requested permission for his wife to exit the residence. The request was granted and she subsequently left the premises,” said Mhlakuvana.
He added that police members then proceeded with the execution of the search warrant. During the search, the owner requested permission to use the bathroom and proceeded towards his bedroom.
Police return fire during search operation
Mhlakuvana said that, while inside the bathroom, he allegedly discharged a firearm through a glass door in the direction of the police members.
“The police members responded to the immediate threat, resulting in the owner sustaining fatal gunshot wounds. He was declared deceased at the scene. No police official was injured during the incident.
A 9mm pistol was recovered from the deceased. Preliminary firearm-status verification indicated that the firearm had previously been reported stolen in Cape Town. It was found with a magazine containing live rounds of ammunition.”
He said that, during the continuation of the operation, four adult males were found inside a rondavel on the premises. Three of the individuals were found in possession of 9mm pistols and produced firearm licences when requested to do so.
Police seize rifles, pistols and ammunition
According to Mhlakuvana, during preliminary interviews, the men informed police that they had allegedly been employed by the deceased. The operation was subsequently expanded to include the inspection of firearms stored in facilities on the premises.
“The occupants cooperated with the search and produced several keys. A strongroom was subsequently accessed with the assistance of a locksmith.
Among the items recovered were four AKMS Norinco rifles, two Citadel shotguns, two 9mm Girsan pistols, five 9mm Taurus pistols, 240 rifle rounds, 224 9mm rounds, 14 9mm magazines, six shotgun magazines, eight rifle magazines, 190 additional 9mm rounds, 81 AKMS rounds, 93 shotgun shells and eight firearm permits.”
Mhlakuvana confirmed that firearms associated with the security company were also seized for further investigative scrutiny. At this stage, these firearms have not been linked to any offence.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further developments will be communicated as and when appropriate.
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