Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has visited Knysna in the Western Cape following three politically linked murders that took place last week, receiving a briefing on investigative progress and meeting with the victims’ families.

Cachalia’s visit on Tuesday comes after the separate killings of former Knysna mayor and councillor Aubrey Tsengwa and two other men, former councillor Mandla Matiwane and taxi boss Mandla Tyololo, in incidents that have shaken the coastal town.

Tsengwa (48) was gunned down on Wednesday evening while in his car with three passengers. Unknown gunman approached the vehicle and opened fire before fleeing on foot.

Tsengwa, who served as Ward 8 councillor at the time of his death, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his head and upper body and was declared dead at the scene. One passenger was wounded in the arm.

Less than 24 hours later, Matiwane (47) and Tyololo (48) were killed when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle on Thursday evening.

Four suspects charged with conspiracy

Knysna police provided the acting minister with a comprehensive briefing on the investigations, which have resulted in four suspects being taken into custody. All four have been charged with conspiracy to commit the murder of Tsengwa.

One suspect is scheduled to appear before the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, whilst the remaining three suspects will appear on Monday, 31 August, for formal bail applications.

Tyololo and Matiwane were killed in a shooting incident on Thursday night last week. The investigation into this separate attack remains ongoing, with police pursuing leads.

Minister meets families and local leaders

During his visit, Cachalia met with Knysna’s mayor and council members, as well as representatives of the African National Congress in the province. The victims were ANC members.

The acting minister also visited the families of all three deceased men to convey his condolences and pay his respects.

Call for justice

Cachalia commended the SAPS investigative teams for the progress made and urged them to continue working to ensure all those responsible are identified and arrested.

“The progress made in these investigations demonstrates that the police are pursuing every available lead. We must ensure that those responsible for these murders are brought to justice,” Cachalia said.

He added that his visit to the families was not only to convey condolences but to assure them that the state has a responsibility to pursue justice.

“We owe it to the families and to the people of Knysna to ensure that these investigations receive the attention and resources they require,” the acting minister said.

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