Police arrest mastermind in DA candidate murder

A 37-year-old man was arrested in Parklands on Saturday, July 25, 2026, as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Democratic Alliance ward candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe. The arrest followed a joint operation by the Western Cape's Serious Violent Crime Investigation unit and the SAPS Special Task Force.

Dyokwe, 48, was shot dead on June 20, 2026, in Dunoon, Cape Town, after returning from a voter registration drive ahead of November's local government elections. According to police, she was followed by two armed men who opened fire on her vehicle, killing her at the scene. The two gunmen remain at large.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Monday, July 27, to face charges of murder and extortion. During the arrest operation, police seized a vehicle and seven cellphones allegedly linked to the crime.

Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said the arrest was the result of an intensive investigation and information provided by the public. He stated that preliminary investigations indicate Dyokwe had been subjected to extortion and was forced to pay protection money. Authorities allege she was targeted after she refused to continue making the...