What should have been a voter registration drive turned into a weekend of political violence, with at least two politically affiliated figures killed in separate incidents.
Police said armed suspects entered the premises, held occupants at gunpoint, and opened fire before fleeing the scene. The motive remains under investigation.
In response, the South African Communist Party (SACP) raised concerns over what it described as a deepening and entrenched pattern of political violence in the province, particularly the killing of Mleve.
“We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of South Africa for the loss. Comrade Sicelo’s brutal murder is a sad occurrence…a prominent leader of the progressive movement in the region. The brutal murder of Comrade Sicelo is not a random act of violence but is part and parcel of the prevalent political violence in Eastern Cape Province.”
The party further warned that the timing of such incidents, on the eve of electoral mobilisation periods, underscores the severity of the crisis.
“The unrelenting nature of political violence in the Nelson Mandela Bay region is deeply concerning.”
“We have repeatedly called for a systematic response to the deepening crisis of political violence across the country. The failure to respond to this crisis threatens South Africa’s governance and indeed our national security as a whole. The fact that these political murders occur on the eve of local government elections only serves to magnify the extent of the crisis. We call for a swift response from law enforcement while putting in place preventative measures that curb this crisis.”
In a separate incident in Dunoon, Cape Town, Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward 104 by-election candidate and community activist Sinovuyo Dyokwe was shot and killed on Saturday evening after participating in voter registration activities. She was reportedly on her way home when she was gunned down.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis described Dyokwe as a committed activist and expressed shock at her killing.
“RIP Sino 🙏🕊️ I’m shocked and saddened by the news that our DA ward candidate in Dunoon, Sinovuyo Dyokwe, was murdered today during our voter registration activities… Sino was an energetic activist… I pray the police find those responsible for her death quickly.”
Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed the shooting.
"Western Cape police are still processing the scene where a 48-year-old woman was shot dead in Du Noon, Milnerton on Saturday evening.”
"Preliminary reports indicate the deceased person was shot in Mnandi Street by a gunman on foot at approximately 6pm. Provincial serious violent crime detectives are on the scene as part of the investigation into the murder.
Political parties, including the ANC and DA, have since condemned the killings, describing them as senseless acts of violence targeting public representatives during a key democratic exercise.
Police have confirmed that no arrests have yet been made. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities appealing for information that could assist in tracing those responsible.
Saturday Star