Two police officers were shot dead while responding to an armed robbery at a spaza shop in Ziphunzana Location, Libode, near Mthatha, Eastern Cape, in the early hours of Friday, 18 September 2026.
The deceased are Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo, 51, of the Mthatha National Intervention Unit, and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali, 30, of the Mthatha Public Order Policing Unit. Both officers were killed after armed suspects attacked the shop, demanded money from the operator and stole their service pistols.
Intelligence-driven operation leads to arrests
In response, police launched a 72-hour plan to track and arrest those linked to the murders.
On 18 September, an intelligence-driven operation by Mthatha Crime Intelligence and Mthatha K9 units in Ngolo Location, Sibangweni, led to the arrest of a 29-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man. They were found in possession of an AK47 rifle and assorted ammunition and face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Suspect fatally wounded in shootout on N2
Later that night, at about 23:55, National Intervention Unit members acted on information that one of the suspects was travelling along the N2 at Sibangweni Location, Libode, towards Tsolo. On arrival the suspect allegedly opened fire. Police returned fire and a 35-year-old man was fatally wounded. A pistol with three rounds of ammunition was recovered.
Two more suspects fatally wounded in follow-up operations
Follow-up operations resulted in two further male suspects, also linked to the murder of the officers, being fatally wounded at Ngolo village, Libode. Two handguns were recovered from them.
Firearms recovered and charges under investigation
In total, one AK47 rifle and three handguns have been seized. Charges under investigation include attack on police, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. An inquest docket has been opened and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate attended the scenes.
Provincial Commissioner's statement
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata said: “We commend our teams, who have worked tirelessly to ensure this breakthrough. Through swift, intelligence-driven operations, two suspects have been arrested and three others linked to this crime were fatally wounded during confrontations with police. We will not rest until every remaining role player is held accountable and the full might of the law takes its course. We send our deepest condolences to their families and colleagues, we will support them through this difficult time.”
Police say investigations continue.