At least two political candidates were killed over the weekend during the IEC voter registration drive, raising renewed concerns about political violence ahead of upcoming elections.
One of the victims has been identified as Democratic Alliance (DA) ward by-election candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe, who was shot and killed in Dunoon, Cape Town, after returning home from a voter registration event on Saturday. Reports indicate she had spent the day assisting with voter registration before the fatal attack. The DA has since confirmed the killing and offered a reward for information leading to arrests.
In a separate incident in the Eastern Cape, Gqeberha councillor Sixelo Mleve was also gunned down during the same weekend period, according to reports linked to ongoing electoral activity.
Police have launched investigations into both killings, with no arrests confirmed at this stage. The incidents have intensified fears over the safety of political figures involved in grassroots campaigning and voter mobilisation efforts.
The killings occurred during a weekend already marked by heightened political activity as parties ramped up preparations for upcoming elections, with security concerns now expected to dominate the political agenda in the weeks ahead.