Knysna Councillor and Former Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa Shot Dead in Joodsekamp
- Knysna ward councillor Aubrey Tsengwa, 48, was fatally shot in Joodsekamp on Wednesday night while travelling in a vehicle with three passengers
- Police say an unknown man approached the vehicle, opened fire, and fled on foot — no arrests have been made and no motive established
- Tsengwa had only returned to the Knysna council in June 2025 after winning a by-election months after leaving the mayoral office
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WESTERN CAPE — Knysna ward councillor and former executive mayor Aubrey Tsengwa was killed in a shooting in Joodsekamp on Wednesday evening, sending shockwaves through both the local community and political circles.
According to IOL, police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that officers were dispatched to Ngxalo Street at approximately 9.20pm following reports of gunfire. On arrival, they discovered Tsengwa, 48, with multiple gunshot wounds to his head and upper body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tsengwa represented Ward 8, which covers Concordia and Joodsekamp.
How the shooting unfolded
According to Twigg, Tsengwa was driving with three passengers when an unidentified man approached the vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene on foot.
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"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.
One passenger sustained a gunshot wound to the arm and was transported to hospital for treatment. The other two passengers were not reported as injured.
No arrests as investigation continues
No suspects have been apprehended, and police have not yet determined a motive. Forensic personnel processed the crime scene overnight while detectives pursued available leads.
"The scene was processed by police forensic personnel, while detectives are following up on all available leads," Twigg confirmed.
Knysna Mayor Thando Matika officially acknowledged Tsengwa's death on Thursday morning. ANC member Phumla Thole paid tribute, describing the killing as deeply shocking.
"We mourn the loss of a fellow cadre and revolutionary whose contribution will forever remain part of our collective memory," Thole said.
The ANC indicated it would release a formal statement once further details about the incident emerged.
A turbulent but resilient political career
Tsengwa first assumed the role of Knysna's executive mayor in August 2022, a tenure marked by several motions of no confidence against him. He vacated the position in February 2025, after which the ANC suspended him, citing that his departure had undermined the party and triggered an unnecessary by-election.
Despite the suspension, the ANC subsequently nominated him to contest the Ward 8 by-election held on 25 June 2025. He won the seat and returned to public office as ward councillor — a position he held at the time of his death.
Other Briefly News articles of councillors shot
- eThekwini municipality Ward 17 councillor Sibusiso Khwela, was fatally shot in Klaarwater on Thursday, 6 August 2026, while attending to members of the public at his office.
- Kwazulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has revealed that 18 elected councillors have been murdered across the province since the 2021 Local Government Elections.
- Nelson Mandela Bay ANC Ward 27 Councillor Sicelo Mleve was fatally shot on Saturday evening during the voter registration weekend in Gqeberha.
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