Two African National Congress (ANC) members have been shot and killed in Knysna, Western Cape, intensifying concern over a string of politically sensitive killings in the area.
The latest shooting happened on Thursday night, just 24 hours after councillor and former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa was fatally shot.
Police have launched a manhunt for those responsible as investigators examine whether the two incidents could be connected.
Victims Attacked While Travelling in Bongani
According to police, the two ANC members, aged 47 and 48, were travelling in a vehicle in the Bongani area when they came under gunfire at approximately 9pm on Thursday.
Both victims died in the shooting.
Western Cape serious violent crime detectives are leading the investigation, with additional officers brought in following Tsengwa’s killing the previous evening.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the two victims.
Police Investigate Possible Connection to Tsengwa Killing
The latest killings have raised questions about whether Knysna is facing a connected series of targeted attacks.
Brigadier Novela Potelwa, the Western Cape police spokesperson, confirmed that detectives are investigating the possibility that the shootings are related.
However, police have stressed that the motive behind the latest attack has not been established.
Investigators are expected to examine evidence from both crime scenes, including the circumstances surrounding the victims’ movements and any potential links between those involved.
Manhunt Underway for Suspects
A dedicated police team is now searching for the perpetrators.
The provincial serious violent crime unit, which was already investigating the shooting that claimed Tsengwa’s life, has been reinforced to assist with the latest case.
The investigation remains at an early stage, and police have not announced any arrests.
Authorities are appealing to residents who may have witnessed the shooting or have information about the movements of the suspects to come forward.
Knysna Faces Renewed Political Violence Concerns
The deaths come at a particularly tense time for the Knysna community.
Tsengwa, a councillor and former mayor, was killed in a separate shooting on Wednesday night.
His death had already prompted a major police investigation before the latest attack occurred.
The fact that two ANC members were subsequently killed in the same area has heightened concerns about possible political or organised criminal motives.
Police, however, have yet to confirm that politics played a role in either incident.
Motive Remains Unknown
Investigators are keeping an open mind about what prompted the latest attack.
Police have not confirmed whether the victims were specifically targeted, whether the shooting was politically motivated or whether it stemmed from another dispute.
The potential connection to Tsengwa’s murder will form part of the ongoing investigation.
Police Appeal for Information
Authorities are asking anyone with information that could help identify the attackers or establish what happened to contact the investigating officer.
Information can be provided to Sergeant Nobuntu Thundezwa on 082 522 1251.
Police are urging potential witnesses to come forward as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding both shootings.
What’s Next?
Investigators are expected to continue gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and examining possible links between the Thursday night killings and Tsengwa’s death.
The immediate priority is to identify and apprehend those responsible while determining whether the three killings form part of a wider pattern.
Until investigators establish a motive, police have cautioned against drawing conclusions about the relationship between the attacks.
Summary
Two ANC members, aged 47 and 48, were shot dead in a vehicle in Bongani, Knysna, at about 9pm on Thursday.
Their deaths came one day after councillor and former mayor Aubrey Tsengwa was killed in a separate shooting in the area.
Western Cape serious violent crime detectives have been reinforced and are investigating whether the incidents are connected.
No arrests have been announced, while the motive remains unknown and police continue their search for the perpetrators.
