The death of former Knysna executive mayor Aubrey Tsengwa has sent shockwaves through the Garden Route, with political representatives mourning the reported shooting of the ANC councillor.
Tsengwa was reportedly shot and killed on the night of Wednesday, 19 August. However, authorities had not yet publicly confirmed the circumstances of the incident at the time of publication.
Unconfirmed information suggests the shooting may have occurred in the Joodsekamp area while Tsengwa was reportedly travelling home.
The location, motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear.
Tsengwa’s political career in Knysna
Tsengwa served as executive mayor of Knysna Municipality from August 2022 until February 2025.
His tenure ended after councillors supported a motion of no confidence against him on 14 February 2025.
He subsequently resigned from his position as a municipal councillor on 31 March 2025.
However, his departure from council was temporary.
Tsengwa returned to the Knysna Municipal Council after contesting the Ward 8 by-election on 25 June 2025 as the ANC candidate. He secured approximately 51.5% of the vote, returning him to local government.
His reported death therefore comes while he was once again serving as an elected representative in the municipality.
Political opponents remember a strong personality
News of Tsengwa’s reported death has prompted condolences across political lines.
ANC member Phumla Thole described his death as a tragic loss and conveyed condolences to his family, friends, political colleagues and others who worked with him.
Thole said a formal statement would follow once further information was available.
DA councillor Jason White also expressed his condolences, despite having served on the opposite side of the political divide.
White described Tsengwa as “quite a character” and said their political disagreements had not prevented them from engaging in robust but respectful debate.
According to White, the two councillors were able to work together when circumstances required it, despite their differences inside the council chamber.
That reflection highlights the human dimension behind political disagreements, particularly in smaller municipalities where elected representatives often interact closely beyond formal party structures.
PA joins tributes
The Knysna PA also expressed its condolences, describing Tsengwa as a people-oriented individual with strong communication skills and a distinctive personality.
The party said he would be missed.
The tributes have emerged while details surrounding the reported killing remain limited.
Police confirmation still awaited
Enquiries have been directed to the South African Police Service, the ANC and Knysna Municipality for confirmation and further information.
At this stage, the circumstances leading to the shooting, whether anyone has been arrested and whether a possible motive has been established have not been confirmed.
Given the seriousness of the incident, information circulating about the precise location or circumstances should be treated cautiously until verified by law-enforcement authorities.
The reported killing of a serving municipal councillor is likely to raise renewed concerns about the safety of public representatives in South Africa, particularly at local-government level, where political disputes can sometimes occur against a backdrop of intense community and political tensions.
This is a developing story. Further information will be added once details have been independently verified by the relevant authorities.
