Libode man linked to police officers’ killings shot dead in shoot-out - IOL

Two Eastern Cape police officers shot dead while responding to spaza shop robbery on Friday morning.

A 45-year-old murder suspect was shot dead during a shootout in a gun battle with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpindweni Location, outside Libode, on Tuesday.

The fatal shooting occurred during an intelligence-led operation tied to last week's deadly ambush of two police officers in the area.

Acting on crucial investigative leads, a multidisciplinary team descended on the suspect's residence on Tuesday to execute a search warrant.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, officers were in the middle of searching the premises when the suspect excused himself to use the bathroom. Moments later, the man burst through the door, opening fire on the police.

Officers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the shootout, police seized the firearm used against the officers, alongside an assortment of other firearms and ammunition discovered inside the house.

The police investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to crack down on those involved in the killing of the two officers.

On Friday, September 18, 2026, two SAPS members—aged 51 and 30—were ambushed and fatally shot while responding to a distress call regarding an attack on a local spaza shop in Ziphunzana Location, Libode, near Mthatha.

Police arrested two suspects and fatally shot three others during a 72-hour intelligence-driven operation following the murder of two Eastern Cape police officers in Libode.

On Friday, Mthatha Crime Intelligence and K9 units arrested a 29-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman in Ngolo Location, recovering an AK47 rifle and ammunition.

The National Intervention Unit fatally wounded a 35-year-old male suspect along the N2 at Sibangweni after he opened fire on officers. 

Subsequent operations in Ngolo village led to two more male suspects being killed in separate shootouts with police.

Police recovered three handguns alongside the AK47 rifle. Charges include attack on police, attempted murder, and illegal firearm possession.

IPID is investigating the fatal shootings, while Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Vuyisile Ncata praised the teams and vowed to hold all remaining accomplices accountable.