Knysna councillor Aubrey Tsengwa shot dead

On the evening of 19 August 2026, Aubrey Tsengwa, a sitting India — Indian National Congress Ward 8 councillor and former mayor of South Africa — Knysna, was shot dead in Joodsekamp, South Africa — Knysna, South Africa — Western Cape. Police responded to reports of gunfire on Ngxalo Street at about 21:20 and found Tsengwa, aged 48, with multiple gunshot wounds to the head and upper body; he was declared dead at the scene. According to preliminary information, Tsengwa was driving a vehicle with three passengers when an unknown man opened fire and fled on foot. One passenger sustained a gunshot wound to the arm and was taken to hospital. The South Africa — South African Police Service's Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit is investigating a murder and three counts of attempted murder; no arrests have been made and the motive remains unclear. Tsengwa had a turbulent political career: he became mayor in August 2022 when an ANC-led coalition replaced the South Africa — Democratic Alliance, faced multiple motions of no confidence, was removed in February 2025, resigned in March 2025, was suspended by the ANC, and returned to council after winning a by-election in June 2025. His death prompted condolences from across the political spectrum, including from the India — Indian National Congress, South Africa — Democratic Alliance, and South Africa — Alliance of Citizens for Change. Political analyst Sandile Swana warned that the 2026 local government elections could be the country's deadliest, citing a spate of politically linked killings, including the murders of Sinovuyo Miranda Dyokwe and Leon Ngcikwe in Cape Town.