Knysna gripped by wave of violence

Knysna has been rocked by a wave of violence after two ANC members were shot dead on Thursday night, less than 24 hours after former Knysna mayor and Ward 8 councillor Aubrey Tsengwa was gunned down.

The African National Congress (ANC) in Knysna, Western Cape, confirmed that the two members were killed by a lone gunman.

The latest shooting happened at about 21:00 in Bongani, where the two men, aged 47 and 48, were reportedly in a vehicle when they were targeted by unidentified gunmen.

It’s believed that the latest incident occurred at the home of one of the deceased near Concordia, although police are still investigating the exact circumstances.

Second deadly shooting in two days

The killings follow the fatal shooting of Tsengwa on Wednesday night.

Tsengwa was travelling home in his vehicle when he was attacked in Joodsekamp. He was reportedly shot multiple times and found unresponsive at the scene.

Three other people were travelling with Tsengwa at the time of the attack. One of the passengers was wounded and hospitalised.

Tsengwa’s death sent shockwaves through the municipality, with the subsequent killing of two ANC members intensifying concerns about violence in the area.

Police investigate possible links

Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the provincial serious violent crimes detective team, which was already investigating Tsengwa’s murder, has been reinforced with additional officers to investigate both incidents.

Police are now assessing whether the latest killings could be connected to Tsengwa’s assassination.

However, no link has been established at this stage, and investigators have not disclosed possible motives for either attack.

The suspects in the latest shooting remain at large and no arrests had been announced.

Police are following several leads as the investigation continues.

Potelwa has appealed to residents with information that could assist investigators to come forward.

Anyone who can help with the investigation is urged to contact SAPS Sergeant Nobuntu Thundezwa using the contact details provided by police.

The back-to-back attacks have left the Knysna community on edge as authorities work to establish whether the shootings form part of a connected series of attacks or are separate incidents.