Two arrested for brutal murder of former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa

Western Cape police have arrested two men in connection with the shooting death of former Knysna mayor and councillor Aubrey Tsengwa.

Tsengwa was shot dead last Wednesday evening while travelling home near Concordia, Knysna.

Three other people who were travelling with him were wounded in the attack.

The arrests follow an intensive investigation by police after the fatal shooting, which sent shockwaves through the Knysna community.

READ | Knysna gripped by wave of violence

Two suspects arrested

The suspects, aged 39 and 46, are expected to appear in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August on charges of conspiracy to commit murder.

Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed that the arrests were made by a multidisciplinary team comprising Serious Violent Crime detectives, crime intelligence, local police, the combat team and the drone unit.

“Two suspects aged 39 and 46 are expected to appear in court in Knysna on Monday following their arrest on charges of conspiracy to commit murder after the shooting of Knysna councillor and former Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa on Wednesday evening,” Potelwa said.

#sapsWC [TWO MEN CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDER AFTER KNYSNA MAYOR WAS KILLED ON WEDNESDAY] As part of ongoing investigations into the murder of Knysna councillor and former mayor, Mr Aubrey Tsengwa on Wednesday evening, Western Cape serious violent crime unit… pic.twitter.com/eXck9I5Xqj

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 23, 2026

Vehicles and firearms seized

Police also seized two vehicles, three firearms and several cellular phones as part of the investigation.

Potelwa said the police management had reinforced the deployment in the area to assist investigators in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the shooting.

“The arrests were effected by a team of SVC detectives, crime intelligence, local police, combat team and the drone unit and local police,” she said.

“SAPS management reinforced deployment to the area with a view to apprehending those behind the shooting incident.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and the suspects are expected to appear in court as police work to establish the circumstances and motive behind Tsengwa’s killing.