Tsengwa family seeks answers after suspected hitman appears in court

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - The family of the slain former Knysna mayor and ward councillor Aubrey Tsengwa (48) are hopeful that justice will prevail following the arrest of a suspected hitman, Themba Maqutywa (44), who made a brief appearance in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on Monday 9 November, facing one charge of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

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

Maqutywa's case has been joined with that of his co-accused, Vusumzi Gungu (46) and Thobelani Lakhe (39), who are both facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder.

As previously reported, the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) tracked Maqutywa down during an operation and the investigation of several leads. He was arrested in Peddie in the Eastern Cape on Friday 6 November.

Following his arrest, allegations emerged that Maqutywa was also being sought in connection with another murder case, and had allegedly been linked to extortion activities. These allegations have not been tested in court.

Tsengwa's brother, Thembile Tsengwa, said the family remained devastated, but hoped the arrest would bring them closer to uncovering the truth.

He told the media that the family believed others could have been involved in the killing and that Maqutywa might not have acted alone. Referring to the speculation about possible motives, Thembile mentioned a fibre tender and a Sanlam development, but stressed that the family would allow the justice process to take its course.

"We want to know who instructed him to pull the trigger and why. We are all devastated, his children even more so, as they now ask where their father is. We won't stop until we get justice. My brother worked for his community," he said.

The matter was postponed to 10 December for further investigation. Maqutywa will remain at the George Correctional Facility after the magistrate granted the State's request for him to be detained there for logistical reasons, including his separate pending murder case in Mossel Bay.

During the proceedings, presiding magistrate Mark Nichols questioned the State's initial concerns about keeping the accused separated in custody. The State subsequently clarified its request on logistical grounds, which the magistrate granted.

Meanwhile, the defence representing Gungu and Lakhe indicated that it intends to bring a formal bail application when the matter resumes.

Outside the court, several ANC members announced through a loudspeaker they intended to apply for a total shutdown across all wards on 10 December, in opposition to bail, and called for justice to be served in Tsengwa's murder.

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