LIBODE, Eastern Cape — Two people have been arrested and three suspected assailants fatally wounded in a series of police operations after two officers were killed while responding to an armed robbery at a spaza shop in Libode, near Mthatha.
What happened
Police launched a 72-hour plan to trace those connected to the fatal shooting of Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo, 51, and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali, 30, who were attacked in the early hours of Friday, 18 September, at Ziphunzana Location in Libode. The officers were responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects allegedly attacked and demanded money from the operator of a spaza shop.
According to police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, the officers were killed during the incident and their service pistols were taken.
Police operations and arrests
Mathe said an intelligence-driven operation conducted by Mthatha Crime Intelligence together with Mthatha K9 led to the arrest of two suspects at Ngolo Location in Sibangweni. The arrested suspects are a 29-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man. They were allegedly found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition and face charges related to possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Further information led police to pursue a suspect travelling along the N2 at Sibangweni Location, towards Tsolo. Members of the National Intervention Unit engaged the man at about 23:55, Mathe said. The suspect allegedly opened fire on police and was fatally wounded after police returned fire. A pistol and three rounds of ammunition were recovered.
Separate confrontations later in operations at Ngolo village in Libode resulted in two more male suspects being fatally wounded, and two handguns were recovered from them, Mathe said. In total, police reported recovering one AK-47 and three handguns in connection with the investigation.
Charges and ongoing probe
Police are investigating a range of offences, including the attack on police, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Mathe did not name the arrested suspects or the deceased pending further enquiries and notification of next of kin.
Provincial or national prosecutorial decisions on charging in incidents where suspects are fatally wounded during police operations often follow post-incident investigations. These typically include ballistic examinations, forensic scene work and internal oversight. Mathe confirmed investigations are continuing.
Local impact and context
The killings have raised concerns among communities in Libode and the broader Mthatha area about violent armed robberies targeting informal retail outlets. Spaza shops are frequent targets for robberies in the Eastern Cape; they are often located in communities with limited formal banking access and can carry cash on premises.
Police have in recent years increased the use of intelligence-led operations and K9 units in rural districts to disrupt armed groups and recover illegal firearms that drive violent crime. The recovery of an AK-47 and multiple handguns in this operation underscores the firepower available to criminal networks in the region.
- Victims: Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo (51); Constable Ntlahla Tyhali (30)
- Arrests: two suspects (29-year-old woman; 29-year-old man) — alleged possession of AK-47 and ammunition
- Fatalities among suspects: three male suspects fatally wounded in separate police engagements
- Weapons recovered: one AK-47 rifle, three handguns, plus ammunition
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident location | Ziphunzana Location, Libode (near Mthatha) |
| Initial incident | Armed robbery at spaza shop; officers responding were killed |
| Police units involved | Mthatha Crime Intelligence, Mthatha K9, National Intervention Unit |
What residents can expect
Local communities can expect increased visible policing as detectives and specialised units continue inquiries. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Mathe’s brief account indicates a rapid intelligence response by police units across several locations in the district. Authorities will now need to provide further details as investigations proceed, including forensic findings and a full account of how the suspects were neutralised.
The deaths of two serving officers will also trigger internal reviews into response protocols and safety measures for members attending armed incidents at informal retail sites. The Eastern Cape police command has not yet issued a formal statement on memorial or departmental processes for the slain officers.
This story will be updated as police release more information and as the investigation unfolds.
