Political killings raise alarm ahead of elections

Former Knysna mayor and sitting ANC ward councillor Aubrey Tsengwa has been shot dead in Knysna, adding another public representative to a troubling list of political figures killed across South Africa as the country heads towards the local government elections.

Tsengwa, 48, who represented Ward 8 and previously served as Knysna’s executive mayor, was killed in Joodsekamp on Wednesday evening.

Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit were investigating a case of murder and three counts of attempted murder following the shooting.

Police responded to a shooting in Ngxalo Street at approximately 9.20pm, where they found Tsengwa with multiple gunshot wounds to his head and upper body.

According to preliminary information, Tsengwa had been driving a vehicle with three passengers when an unknown man approached and opened fire on the vehicle before fleeing on foot.

One of the passengers was shot in the arm and transported to hospital for medical treatment.

Twigg said the motive for the killing had not yet been established and no arrests had been made.

“The scene was processed by police forensic personnel, while detectives are following up on all available leads to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible,” he said.

The killing has drawn condemnation from Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais, who warned that it came during an increasingly sensitive period on the country’s political calendar.

Marais extended her condolences to Tsengwa’s family, friends and colleagues.

While police have not linked Tsengwa’s murder to his political work, Marais said its timing highlighted the need for vigilance as the local government elections draw closer.

“While the exact motive of this crime is still under investigation, it must be noted that Mr Tsengwa’s murder comes at an increasingly sensitive political period as we approach the local government elections. We must be vigilant against any form of political violence,” she said.

The ANC’s Victor Molosi Region, where Tsengwa previously served as regional chairperson, said it had learnt of his death with “profound shock, anger and sadness”.

The party described Tsengwa as a dedicated public representative and community leader whose death had left a void in the ANC, the Knysna Municipality, Ward 8 and the broader region.