The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended the Eastern Cape police for the swift and decisive response shown, following the killing of two police officers in Libode.
The activation of a 72-hour operational plan, coupled with intelligence gathering, tracking and coordinated multidisciplinary operations, has resulted in two suspects being arrested while three other suspects were fatally wounded during police operations aimed at tracing those linked to the killing of the two officers.
“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,” the police said in a statement.
The SAPS added that officers are representatives of the State, and attacks against them strike at the rule of law and the authority vested in the police to protect communities and maintain public order, while also stressing that such acts will no tolerated.
Dimpane 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 Lieutenant General Dimpane.
The Acting National Commissioner further reiterated that the loss of Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali is deeply felt by the organisation.
The officers were killed while responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects attacked a spaza shop and demanded money from the shop operator. Both their service pistols were stolen during the attack.
“We remain deeply saddened by the loss of Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali. Their families, colleagues and loved ones remain in our thoughts.
“We will continue to support them while ensuring that the work these members were doing in service to the people of South Africa does not stop,” said Dimpane.
