By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services (SAPS) confirmed the arrest of two suspects, while other suspect was fatally wounded during police operations aimed at tracing those linked to the killing of the two officers in Libode, Eastern Cape.
SAPS activated the 72-hour operation after Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo, 51, of the Mthatha National Intervention Unit, and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali, 30, of Mthatha Public Order Policing, were killed on Friday morning.
Eastern Cape SAPS Spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the officers were responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects attacked a spaza shop and demanded money from the shop operator.
She said both officers were killed and their service pistols stolen.
Gantana said, “The operation, conducted at Ngolo Location in Sibangweni, resulted in the arrest of two 29-year-old suspects, a man and a woman.”
She said the pair were found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and assorted ammunition.
Later that night, at about 11.55 pm, members followed information that another suspect was travelling along the N2 at Sibangweni Location, Libode, towards Tsolo.
Gantana said the 35-year-old suspect opened fire on the officers when they arrived. Police returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.
A pistol and three rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene.
Gantana investigations are continuing into charges including the attack on police, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as an inquest docket.
The Acting National Commissioner has commended the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, and the multidisciplinary teams involved for their continued commitment to ensuring that those responsible are brought before the courts to face the full might of the law.
“We will not allow criminals to believe that they can attack police officers, steal their firearms, and operate with impunity. Our response must be swift, intelligence-driven and uncompromising, within the law. The arrest of two suspects and the fatal wounding of three others demonstrates that our members are pursuing every available lead, said Ncata.”