Two prominent figures, Mandla Matiwane and Mandla Tyololo, were shot dead on Thursday night in Knysna, while Aubrey Tsengwa was killed in his car in Joodsekamp. The deaths mark a significant escalation of violence in the region. Matiwane and Tyololo's shooting occurred on Thursday evening, contributing to a series of recent fatalities. Tsengwa's killing in Joodsekamp adds to the growing number of violent incidents under police investigation.
Details of the Killings
Aubrey Tsengwa, 48, was shot in Ngxalo Street at approximately 9:20 pm on Wednesday. The incident involved Tsengwa being killed in his car in Joodsekamp. Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa stated that two men, aged 47 and 48, were in a vehicle in Bongani when gunmen opened fire on them at about 9 pm. The two men, identified as Mandla Matiwane and Mandla Tyololo, were killed in Bongani. The provincial serious violent crimes detective team, already investigating another shooting incident involving a councillor in the area from Wednesday evening, has since been reinforced, Potelwa confirmed. She added that the motive for both shootings remains the subject of the police investigation.
Victims' Backgrounds and Roles
Mandla Matiwane secured ward 7 for the ANC during the 2016 local government elections. Matiwane won ward 7 for the ANC in the 2016 local government elections. He was also a state witness in the murder trial of Victor Molosi, who was shot in the head outside his Concordia home in July 2018. Mandla Tyololo served as the secretary of the Knysna Taxi Forum. Tyololo was the secretary of the Knysna Taxi Forum. Tyololo was acquitted on August 25, 2020, following more than two years in custody, while three other men were convicted of Molosi's murder in December 2019. Aubrey Tsengwa was Knysna's executive mayor from August 2022 until February 2025. Tsengwa won ward 8 back in a by-election held in June 2025. He had served as ward 8 councillor and former mayor.
Police Investigation and Next Steps
The shootings of Mandla Matiwane and Mandla Tyololo occurred a day after ward 8 councillor and former mayor Aubrey Tsengwa was gunned down. Police are investigating potential links between the two separate incidents. Police are looking at whether the two shootings were connected. In the attack on Tsengwa, one passenger in his vehicle sustained a gunshot wound to the arm and was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with either the killings of Matiwane and Tyololo or the fatal shooting of Tsengwa. No arrests have been made in either case. The provincial serious violent crimes detective team continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding both incidents.
Official Confirmation and Reaction
Knysna executive mayor Thando Matika confirmed the shootings. Police are investigating a charge of murder and three of attempted murder in connection with Aubrey Tsengwa's case. Detectives from the provincial serious violent crime unit have launched a manhunt following the incidents. The provincial serious violent crimes detective team has launched a manhunt following the incidents as they work to apprehend those responsible for the recent wave of violence. Brigadier Novela Potelwa emphasized the ongoing nature of the police investigation into the motives behind the attacks.