Article re-cap
- Sinovuyo Dyokwe was shot dead on her way home from a voter registration venue in Dunoon on Saturday, June 21st, not during the registration drive itself.
- Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the investigation is ongoing, with no new developments to report.
- DA leader and Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis described Dyokwe as an energetic activist who helped the DA achieve its best growth result in a recent Dunoon by-election.
- JP Smith described Dyokwe as known for her bright smile and bubbly personality, and as a reliable and effective community activist.
- The DA has arranged counselling for Dyokwe's family, friends and colleagues and has vowed to fight for justice.
A Democratic Alliance ward candidate, Sinovuyo Dyokwe, was shot dead in Dunoon, Cape Town on Saturday, June 21st, after spending the day registering and re-registering DA voters at a voter registration venue. She was gunned down on her way home from the venue after taking part in day one of the registration weekend.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death and potential motives.
City of Cape Town MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith confirmed that Sinovuyo Dyokwe was fatally shot while she was contesting Ward 104. According to Smith, investigators are currently unsure of the number of assailants involved and whether the murder was politically motivated or linked to ongoing extortion activities in Dunoon.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the investigation is under way, stating: 'The matter is still under investigation, and there are no new developments to report at this stage.'
The area has experienced issues with extortion gangs and criminal syndicates targeting businesses and community activists who oppose their actions. Dyokwe’s death occurred as concerns grow about political killings and intimidation of candidates and activists ahead of the November local government elections.
Nicholas Gotsell, the DA constituency head, is engaging with the SAPS to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder.
DA leader and Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis also paid tribute, saying Dyokwe was an energetic activist who helped the DA to its best growth result in a recent by-election where she stood as the party's candidate. 'Residents in the community loved Sino, and she could always be found walking the streets of Dunoon, helping improve services,' he said. Smith described her as 'known for her bright smile and bubbly personality' and said she was 'instrumental in growing the DA voter base in Dunoon and cemented herself as a reliable and effective community activist'.
The Democratic Alliance described Dyokwe as a dedicated community activist who had previously stood as their candidate for Ward 104 during by-elections. The party arranged counselling for her family, friends and colleagues. They stated they will fight to ensure justice is served for her loved ones.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was Sinovuyo Dyokwe killed?
Sinovuyo Dyokwe was shot dead on Saturday, June 21st, in Dunoon, Cape Town, while on her way home from a voter registration venue.
What was Dyokwe doing before she was killed?
She had spent the day registering and re-registering DA voters during the first day of the voter registration weekend.
What is the status of the police investigation?
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the matter is still under investigation and that there are no new developments to report at this stage.
Has a motive been established for the killing?
Investigators are currently unsure whether the murder was politically motivated or linked to ongoing extortion activities in Dunoon.
How has the DA responded to Dyokwe's death?
The DA condemned the killing, arranged counselling for her family, friends and colleagues, and has vowed to fight to ensure justice is served. Both DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and DA Cape Town metro chairperson JP Smith paid public tribute to her.
Source: news24.com, timeslive.co.za, ewn.co.za
