Hitman arrested in murder of former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa

A 44-year-old man has been apprehended by law enforcement in connection with the murder of former Knysna Executive Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa, according to the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). The suspect was apprehended on Friday, November 6, during a coordinated operation in Peddie, Eastern Cape. The PKTT, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), initiated the investigation following Tsengwa's killing on August 19, 2026.

The victim was found alongside three others who survived the shooting in his vehicle in Knysna. Tsengwa assumed office as mayor in August 2022 after the ANC, Patriotic Alliance, Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners, and EFF voted the incumbent out of power. He faced numerous motions of no confidence over the subsequent 2.5 years before being removed by the EFF and the Knysna Independent Movement in February 2025, and resigned from his Ward 8 seat in March 2025.

The ANC subsequently suspended him over allegations of undermining the party, leading to a special investigation and a special election on June 25, 2025, which Tsengwa ultimately won. The ANC subsequently nominated him for the by-election. Following his arrest, the suspect, who remains in police custody, is scheduled to face Knysna Magistrate's Court on Monday, November 9, facing one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder.