A community activist and local by-election candidate was shot dead in Dunoon on Saturday evening after spending the day helping people register to vote — a crime that has shocked her community and drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum.

Sinovuyo Dyokwe, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward 104 by-election candidate, was on her way home from a voter registration venue when she was killed. She had dedicated the day to helping residents register — or re-register — as voters during the first day of voter registration weekend ahead of the local government elections on 4 November 2026.

A beloved figure in her community

Known for her warm smile and cheerful nature, Sinovuyo had played a key role in building up voter participation in Dunoon, earning a reputation as a trusted and hardworking community activist.

She is survived by her family, friends, and colleagues, to whom the DA has extended its heartfelt condolences. The party has also arranged counselling for those closest to her.

“Thank you for your unwavering commitment,” the party said in a statement. “Your dedication and sacrifices will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, Sinovuyo.”

Widespread condemnation

Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, was among the first to speak out, describing the killing as “a senseless and horrific act of violence.”

“This is a senseless and horrific act of violence that has robbed a family of a loved one, a community of a dedicated activist, and our democracy of a person committed to serve her community. My deepest condolences go to Ms Dyokwe’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those who worked alongside her to improve conditions in their community,” Marais said.

The GOOD Party Caucus on the City of Cape Town Council also condemned the killing in the strongest terms, calling it an attack on the electoral process itself.

“An assassination tied to voter registration is an attack on the electoral process itself, and on every resident’s right to participate in it freely and without fear. When a candidate can be murdered on her way home from signing up voters, the threat is aimed at all of us who believe elections must be decided by ballots and not bullets,” Jonathan Cupido, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor said.

Motive unclear

Marais noted with serious concern that there was speculation the murder may be linked to Sinovuyo’s political activities or her outspoken stance on crime in the area — but cautioned against drawing early conclusions.

“At this stage, it would be irresponsible to speculate on the motive. However, all possible motives must be thoroughly investigated. Whether this murder was politically motivated, linked to her community activism, her anti-crime advocacy, or any other criminal motive, those responsible must be identified, arrested, and successfully prosecuted,” she said.

The GOOD Party echoed this call, saying the investigation must be allowed to run its course, while urging SAPS to deploy its full resources to find those responsible and bring them before a court without delay.

SAPS urged to act

Marais called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to dedicate every available resource to the investigation.

“I call on SAPS to leave no stone unturned. The perpetrators must face the full might of the law. Violence and intimidation have no place in our democracy, and communities cannot be held hostage by criminals seeking to silence those who stand up for safer neighbourhoods,” she said.

Extortion concerns in Dunoon

Marais also raised concern about ongoing extortion-related crime in Dunoon and surrounding communities, noting that extortion syndicates continue to fuel violence, undermine economic activity, and intimidate residents, community leaders, businesses and service providers.

She called on SAPS to step up its anti-extortion operations in the area through more intelligence-driven investigations, targeted enforcement and stronger collaboration with specialised units.

“Extortion syndicates thrive when they believe they can operate with impunity. SAPS must continue to disrupt these criminal networks by identifying their leadership structures, tracing their financial activities, and ensuring that those responsible for intimidation, violence, and murder are removed from our communities,” she said.

Marais also urged members of the public to come forward with information, warning that too many crimes go unreported.

“Reporting remains one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement. Authorities can only act on extortion-related crimes when information is received. Too often, murders and acts of intimidation occur because criminal activities go unreported. Anonymous reporting can save lives, disrupt criminal networks, and prevent future extortion-related killings,” she said.

Marais confirmed she would closely monitor the progress of the investigation.

Candidate safety must be reviewed

The GOOD Party called on the Electoral Commission, the City of Cape Town and the police to urgently review the safety of candidates, party workers and registration staff across Cape Town ahead of the November Local Government Elections.

“No person should have to weigh their life against their willingness to serve,” Cupido said.

He addressed activists across the Cape Flats who were out registering voters over the weekend: “Your work matters, and political violence cannot be allowed to silence it.”

Police investigating

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the case remained open and that no arrests had been made.

“The matter is still under investigation, and there are no new developments to report at this stage,” van Wyk said.

Senior leaders to visit the family

DA Leader and Cape Town Mayoral Candidate Geordin Hill-Lewis announced that he will visit the Dyokwe family in Dunoon today (Sunday, 21 June) to pay his respects. He will be joined by other senior party and Mayco members.

The party said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and would fight to ensure that justice was served for Sinovuyo’s loved ones.

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