Cape Town ward candidate shot dead, DA offers R50,000 reward

A Democratic Alliance ward candidate was shot and killed in Cape Town on Saturday, June 20, intensifying concerns over political violence ahead of South Africa's upcoming municipal elections. Sinovuyo Dyokwe, a 48-year-old candidate for the Ward 104 byelection and a community activist, was gunned down while returning home from a voter registration event in the Dunoon area.

According to Western Cape police, Dyokwe was attacked in Mnandi Street at approximately 6 p.m. Provincial serious violent crime detectives have opened a murder investigation, and no arrests have been made. The Democratic Alliance confirmed Dyokwe had spent the day assisting with voter registration activities during the national registration weekend.

The party has offered a R50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. DA officials expressed shock and condemned the killing. In a joint statement, the party's Nicholas Gotsell and Cape Town's MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, described Dyokwe as a dedicated activist known for her positive attitude and community work. They said the DA is providing counselling support to her family, friends, and colleagues.