Western Cape serious violent crime detectives are hunting for suspects after two councillors and a taxi boss were murdered in separate shootings in Knysna within 48 hours, sparking fears of political violence in the coastal town.

Former mayor Aubrey Tsengwa (48) was gunned down on Wednesday evening on Ngxalo Street in Joodsekamp at approximately 21:20. He was driving with three passengers when an 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 and taken to hospital.

Less than 24 hours later, two more men were killed when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in Bongani at approximately 21:00 on Thursday evening. The victims have been identified as Mandla Matiwane (47), a former Ward 7 councillor, and taxi boss Mandla Tyololo (48).

Matiwane and Tyololo had previously been implicated in the assassination of ANC councillor Victor Molosi.

Political violence fears

The provincial serious violent crimes detective team investigating Tsengwa’s murder has been reinforced with additional detectives deployed to probe the second shooting. Police are investigating whether the two incidents are related, though the motive for both attacks remains unknown.

No arrests have been made in either case.

The Democratic Alliance’s Western Cape spokesperson on police oversight and community safety, Benedicta van Minnen, condemned the killings and criticised the national government’s response to escalating gun violence across the province.

“Gun violence is becoming a serious threat across the Western Cape; it is no longer confined to particular hotspots or urban areas – it is reaching communities as far as Knysna,” Van Minnen said in a statement.

She called on acting national minister of police to present a clear strategy to strengthen SAPS resources, detectives, intelligence gathering and specialised units.

Political career cut short

Tsengwa served as executive mayor of Knysna from August 2022 until February 2025, when he was removed from office following a successful motion of no confidence. He continued to represent Ward 8, which includes the Concordia and Joodsekamp areas.

Anyone with information that could assist the ongoing investigations is urged to contact SAPS Sgt Nobuntu Thundezwa on 082 522 1251.

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