Libode: The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended the Eastern Cape police for their swift response following the killing of two police officers in Libode.

According to South African Government News Agency, the activation of a 72-hour operational plan, alongside intelligence gathering, tracking, and coordinated multidisciplinary operations, led to the arrest of two suspects. 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," stated the police.

The SAPS emphasized that officers are representatives of the State, and attacks against them undermine the rule of law and the police's authority to protect communities and maintain public order. Such acts will not be tolerated. Dimpane praised the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, and the multidisciplinary teams involved for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

"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 expressed that the loss of Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali is deeply felt by the organization. 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.