The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended Eastern Cape police for their swift response following the killing of two police officers in Libode.
A 72-hour operational plan, supported by intelligence gathering and coordinated operations, resulted in two suspects being arrested, while three others were fatally wounded during efforts to trace those linked to the killings.
“The speed with which the operation was activated and the subsequent progress in tracing the suspects demonstrate the resolve of the SAPS to pursue those who attack our members, steal police firearms and undermine the authority of the State,” SAPS said.
Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali were killed while responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects allegedly attacked a spaza shop and demanded money from the operator. Their service pistols were also stolen.
Dimpane praised Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata and the multidisciplinary teams involved in the operation.
“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,” Dimpane said.
She also expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the two officers, saying SAPS would continue supporting them.
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