KNYSNA, Western Cape — Several Knysna councillors have been relocated to safe houses in the Western Cape following a deadly surge of targeted killings that has left three people dead in the past two days. The escalating violence, which has claimed the lives of current and former municipal officials, has prompted urgent security interventions and reinforced police investigations into the coordinated attacks.
The first incident occurred on Wednesday night in Concordia, when ANC Ward 8 Councillor and former Knysna Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa was shot and killed. According to police, Tsengwa and three others were traveling home when an unknown gunman approached their vehicle and opened fire. Tsengwa, who was driving at the time, was declared dead at the scene, while one of the three other occupants was wounded and hospitalized.
In a separate attack the following night, ANC member and former Ward 7 Councillor Mandla Matiwane was shot and killed alongside taxi boss and ANC member Mandla Tyololo. The two men were sitting in a vehicle outside Tyololo’s home in Bongani when they were ambushed by attackers.
An ANC provincial leadership spokesperson addressed the tragedies, extending deep condolences to the bereaved families. The spokesperson condemned the acts, stating that the victims were “cowardly assassinated by criminals who continue to senselessly go around on a shooting spree and terrorizing our communities.” The provincial leadership is currently in active engagement with provincial police leadership and the national minister to activate specialized units to urgently address the security situation in Knysna.
In response to the escalating threat, the Knysna Municipality has implemented immediate protective measures for its officials. A municipal spokesperson confirmed that additional law enforcement resources have been deployed to protect councillors and staff.
“Some of our councillors are currently in safe houses due to what we have seen happen,” the municipal spokesperson stated, declining to provide specific operational details to preserve the integrity of the security protocols. The municipality has also held urgent meetings with provincial SAPS (South African Police Service) and the Hawks to conduct comprehensive risk assessments for all vulnerable personnel.
Police are actively searching for the suspects and have reinforced the provincial serious violent crimes detective team investigating Tsengwa’s murder. Investigators are currently probing whether the recent shootings are directly linked.
The violence has also drawn attention to the region’s complex political history. Mandla Tyololo had previously been arrested in 2018 in connection with the death of then Ward 8 Councillor Victor Molosi, though he was subsequently acquitted of all charges.
As the community remains on high alert, authorities continue to urge anyone with information regarding the shootings to come forward while specialized units work around the clock to bring the perpetrators to justice.