A breakthrough in the murder case of former Knysna Executive Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa has led to the arrest of a 44-year-old man believed to be the hitman behind the assassination, police have confirmed, reports Knysna-Plett Herald.

The Political Killings Task Team (PKTT)-led investigation traced the suspect to Peddie in the Eastern Cape, where a takedown operation was conducted on Friday (November 6), resulting in his arrest. 

Background

Tsengwa was murdered on August 19 while seated in his car in Knysna with three other occupants, who survived the shooting.

The 44-year-old is expected to make his first court appearance in Knysna today where the charges against him are expected to be formally presented. 

The suspect remains in police custody. He faces one charge of murder and three counts of attempted murder. As with all accused persons, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Tsengwa, a former executive mayor and ANC councillor for Ward 8 in Knysna, was shot dead in Joodsekamp on 19 August. He was in his vehicle with three passengers at the time of the shooting, one of whom was wounded. 

The murder sent shockwaves through Knysna and the Garden Route, coming less than 24 hours before the separate fatal shooting of former ANC Ward 7 councillor Mandla Matiwane and taxi leader Mandla Tyololo in Bongani.

Police had previously arrested two other men in connection with an alleged conspiracy to murder Tsengwa. Vusumzi Gungu (46) and Thobelani Lakhe (39) remain in custody, with their case postponed to December 10 for further investigation. 

Police have not yet indicated whether the newly arrested suspect is linked to the earlier arrests or whether further arrests are expected.

The motive behind the assassination is yet unknown.

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