Knysna – A 50-year-old South African Police Service (SAPS) captain and a suspect were killed in a shootout during an early-morning police operation in Knysna, Western Cape, on Wednesday.
The captain, who was attached to the Provincial Tactical Response Team, was deployed to the area as part of investigations into the murder of Knysna councillor and former mayor Aubrey Tsengwa, as well as two other people who were killed in separate shooting incidents last week.
According to SAPS, the integrated police team was conducting an operation at the Sewende Laan informal settlement on Uniondale Road after receiving information about illegal firearms.
“The 38-year-old suspect also died in the shootout. Two firearms were found in his possession,” SAPS said.
The circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire are being investigated.
SAPS said psychosocial support was being provided to members of the police team at the scene, as well as the captain’s colleagues in Cape Town.
Three suspects have appeared in court in connection with Tsengwa’s murder, while investigations into the killings of Mandla Matiwane and Mandla Tyololo are continuing.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi conveyed his condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased captain.
The latest shooting comes as police intensify investigations into a series of killings in Knysna and efforts to trace illegal firearms in the area.
Source: South African Police Service statement, Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
