A Democratic Alliance (DA) by-election candidate and an African National Congress (ANC) ward councillor were shot and killed in separate incidents on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as the country marked the start of the national voter registration weekend. Sinovuyo Dyokwe, a DA ward candidate in Dunoon, Cape Town, was fatally gunned down while returning home after assisting with registration efforts, while ANC councillor Scelo Mleve was murdered in his office in Zwide, Gqeberha, less than an hour later.
Police Investigation And Official Response
According to police reports, both investigations are currently underway, and no clear motive for the attacks has been established at this stage. Authorities have not confirmed whether the killings are linked, despite the close timing of the two incidents occurring on the first day of the voter registration drive.
The Democratic Alliance is saddened and outraged by the murder of our Dunoon Ward 104 by-election candidate and community activist, Sinovuyo Dyokwe.
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, expressed the devastation of the local government following the attack on Mleve. ANC NEC member Andile Lungisa added that the frequency of such violent incidents in public life remains a critical concern, stating, “No city should normalise weekly killings.”
Community Impact And Election Security
The killings have drawn sharp focus to the safety of political figures and the risks faced by community activists ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. This environment of heightened tension and criminality, particularly in high-risk areas, has raised questions regarding whether candidates can safely engage in public mobilization efforts without becoming targets of violence.
As these murders occur during a period intended to bolster democratic participation, political observers are calling for increased protection for those serving on the front lines of local governance. Further developments are expected as police forensic teams continue to process the crime scenes in both Dunoon and Zwide.