Deadly twist as cop probing former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa's murder gunned down

A police captain in Knysna, who was investigating the murder of former mayor Aubrey Tsengwa, was killed in a shootout with a suspect during a search for illegal firearms. The captain, aged 50, was part of the provincial Tactical Response Team and was in Knysna to follow up on information about Tsengwa's murder, as well as two other shootings that occurred last week.

The incident took place at the Sewende Laan informal settlement in Uniondale Road early Wednesday morning. Both the captain and the suspect died in the exchange of gunfire.

The captain was assigned to help with the investigation into Tsengwa's murder, which occurred on Wednesday last week in Ngxalo Street, Joodsekamp. Tsengwa, 48, had served as Knysna's executive mayor from August 2022 to February 2025. At the time of his death, he was driving home with several passengers, one of whom was also injured.

The same day, two other individuals were killed in separate shootings. Former councillor Mandla Matiwane, 47, and Knysna Codeta chair Mandla Tyololo, 48, were both shot dead in Bongani around 9pm. Three suspects have been charged in connection with Tsengwa's murder and are currently in custody after appearing in Knysna Magistrate's Court on Monday. Investigations into the murders of Matiwane and Tyololo are ongoing.