EASTERN CAPE – Two suspects have been arrested, while three others were fatally wounded following the activation of a 72-hour plan to trace and arrest suspects linked to the murder of two police officers in the early hours of Friday 18 September at Ziphunzana Location, Libode, near Mthatha.

The deceased police officers are Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo (51) from the Mthatha National Intervention Unit and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali (30) from Mthatha Public Order Policing.

They were killed while responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects attacked a spaza shop and demanded money from the shop operator. Both their service pistols were stolen during the attack.

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Intelligence-led operation nets five suspects

SAPS said in statement that, following intelligence received, an operation was conducted on Friday by Mthatha Crime Intelligence in conjunction with Mthatha K9 at Ngolo Location, Sibangweni.

“Two suspects, a 29-year-old female and a 29-year-old male, were arrested after being found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and assorted ammunition. They face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” the statement said.

Later that night, at about 23:55, NIU members acted on information that one of the suspects was along the N2 at Sibangweni Location, Libode, towards Tsolo. On arrival, the suspect allegedly opened fire on police. Police returned fire and the suspect, a 35-year-old man, was fatally wounded. A pistol with three rounds of ammunition was recovered.

Further follow-up operations led police to two other male suspects, also linked to the murder of the police officers, being fatally wounded at Ngolo Village, Libode. Two handguns were recovered.

Firearms recovered and charges investigated

SAPS one AK-47 rifle and three handguns have been recovered in connection with the case.

Charges including attack on police, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and an inquest docket are being investigated.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate attended the scenes.

“We commend our teams, who have worked tirelessly to ensure this breakthrough,” said the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata. “Through swift, intelligence-driven operations, two suspects have been arrested and three others linked to this crime were fatally wounded during confrontations with police. We will not rest until every remaining role player is held accountable and the full might of the law takes its course.

“We send our deepest condolences to their families and colleagues, and we will support them through this difficult time.”

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