Two arrested, three suspects killed after Eastern Cape police officers shot dead - IOL

Two arrested after two Eastern Cape police officers are killed in Libode.

Two people have been arrested, and three suspects have been fatally wounded in police operations following the killings of two Eastern Cape police officers in Libode.

The developments came after police activated a 72-hour plan to track down those linked to the deaths of Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo, 51, and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali, 30.

The officers were killed in the early hours of Friday, September 18, at Ziphunzana Location in Libode, near Mthatha.

According to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, the officers were responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects attacked a spaza shop and demanded money from the operator.

Both officers were killed during the incident, and their service pistols were taken.

Mathe said that on Friday, an intelligence-driven operation by Mthatha Crime Intelligence and Mthatha K9 resulted in the arrest of two suspects at Ngolo Location in Sibangweni.

The suspects, a 29-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man, were allegedly found in possession of an AK47 rifle and ammunition.

They face charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Police later followed information about another suspect who was allegedly travelling along the N2 at Sibangweni Location towards Tsolo.

At about 11.55 pm, members of the National Intervention Unit arrived at the location, where the suspect allegedly opened fire on police.

Police returned fire, and the 35-year-old man was fatally wounded. A pistol and three rounds of ammunition were recovered, according to police.

Further operations led police to two other male suspects who were allegedly linked to the killing of the officers.

The two men were fatally wounded during separate confrontations with police at Ngolo village in Libode.

Two handguns were recovered from them.

The latest developments bring the number of suspects fatally wounded during the police operations to three.

Police said one AK47 rifle and three handguns have been recovered in connection with the investigation.

Charges being investigated include the attack on police, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. An inquest docket is also being investigated.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate attended the scenes.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata praised the teams involved in the operation and said police would continue pursuing those linked to the deaths of the officers.

“We commend our teams, who have worked tirelessly to ensure this breakthrough,” Ncata said.

“Through swift, intelligence-driven operations, two suspects have been arrested, and three others linked to this crime were fatally wounded during confrontations with police.”

Ncata said police would continue with the investigation.

“We will not rest until every remaining role player is held accountable and the full might of the law takes its course,” he said.

He also extended his condolences to the families and colleagues of Magoxo and Tyhali.

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