Two arrested, three suspects killed after Eastern Cape police officers murdered

Two suspects have been arrested while three others were fatally wounded during police operations following the killing of two police officers in Libode, near Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape.

The operation followed the murder of Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo, 51, and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali, 30, in the early hours of Friday, 18 September 2026.

In a statement on Saturday the Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said, the officers were responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects allegedly attacked a spaza shop at Ziphunzana Location and demanded money from the shop operator.

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

Police subsequently activated a 72-hour operation to track down those linked to the murders.

On Friday, an intelligence-driven operation by Mthatha Crime Intelligence and the Mthatha K9 Unit resulted in the arrest of two 29-year-old suspects, a man and a woman, at Ngolo Location in Sibangweni.

Police said the pair were found in possession of an AK47 rifle and assorted ammunition. They face charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Later that evening, at about 11.55pm, members of the National Intervention Unit followed information about another suspect travelling along the N2 at Sibangweni Location towards Tsolo.

Police said the 35-year-old suspect allegedly opened fire when officers arrived, prompting them to return fire.

The suspect was fatally wounded during the confrontation. Police recovered a pistol and three rounds of ammunition.

Further follow-up operations at Ngolo village in Libode resulted in two more male suspects, who police said were linked to the murder of the officers, being fatally wounded during separate confrontations.

Two handguns were recovered from the suspects.

Police said three suspects have now been fatally wounded, while two others remain in custody.

In total, investigators have recovered one AK47 rifle and three handguns in connection with the case.

Police are investigating several charges, including attacks on police, attempted murder and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. An inquest docket has also been opened.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) attended the scenes where suspects were fatally wounded.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata commended police teams involved in the operation.

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

He said police would continue working to identify and apprehend other people allegedly involved in the killings.

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

He also extended condolences to the families and colleagues of Magoxo and Tyhali, saying police would support them during the difficult period.