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Police arrest alleged hitman over Knysna ex-mayor's murder

Published

The Political Killings Task Team arrested the 44-year-old suspect in Peddie, Eastern Cape, on Friday. He faces one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder, and is the fourth arrest linked to the killing of Aubrey Tsengwa in August.

Police describe the suspect as a hitman, and he is linked to the murder of Tsengwa, the former Knysna Executive Mayor. The suspect is accused of the crimes, and no court has ruled on the case.

Two other men were killed around the same period. Mandla Matiwane, a former ANC Ward 7 councillor, was shot and killed shortly after Tsengwa's death. Mandla Tyololo, a local taxi forum secretary and ANC member, was also killed.

President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised a Special Investigating Unit probe into a municipal security tender worth R68-million.

Key facts

Who
Aubrey Tsengwa (former Knysna Executive Mayor, murder victim); Political Killings Task Team (arresting unit); Mandla Matiwane (former ANC Ward 7 councillor, shot and killed shortly after Tsengwa's death); Mandla Tyololo (local taxi forum secretary and ANC member, killed around the same period)
What
The Political Killings Task Team arrested a 44-year-old suspect on Friday in Peddie, Eastern Cape, after linking him to the August killing of former Knysna Executive Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa. The suspect faces one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder, and is the fourth arrest linked to the murder.
When
6 November 2026
Where
Peddie, Eastern Cape, Knysna
Status
Reported

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