Knysna Ward 8 councillor and former mayor Aubrey Tsengwa was shot dead in Joodsekamp on Wednesday night.
Police found the 48-year-old with multiple gunshot wounds to his head and upper body. He was declared dead at the scene.
Aubrey Tsengwa Shot Dead In Knysna
Police spokesman Sergeant Wesley Twigg said officers were called to Ngxalo Street at about 9.20pm. Tsengwa was travelling in a vehicle with three passengers when an unknown gunman approached and opened fire.
One passenger suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and was taken to hospital.
“According to preliminary information, the councillor was driving a vehicle with three passengers when they were approached by an unknown man who opened fire on the vehicle before fleeing the scene on foot,” Twigg said.
Aubrey Tsengwa Murder Investigation Underway
Twigg said no arrests had been made and the motive for the shooting was not immediately known. Police forensic personnel processed the crime scene while detectives followed up on available leads. Knysna mayor Thando Matika confirmed Tsengwa’s death on Thursday morning.
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“The scene was processed by police forensic personnel, while detectives are following up on all available leads,” Twigg said.
Aubrey Tsengwa’s Political Career And Killing
Tsengwa represented Ward 8, which includes Concordia and Joodsekamp, and served as Knysna executive mayor from August 2022 until February 2025. ANC member Phumla Thole described his death as shocking, while DA Knysna mayoral candidate Levael Davis called for those responsible to be arrested.
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“We call on the police to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face the full might of the law,” Davis said.
Tsengwa won the Ward 8 by-election in June 2025 with 52.12% of the vote. His killing comes against a history of political violence in the area, with former ANC Ward 8 councillor Victor Molosi shot dead in Concordia in July 2018.
