GOOD Party Demands Tighter Election Security Following 2 Political Killings

The Single Sharpest Fact

Sinovuyo Dyokwe, a Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward 104 by-election candidate, was shot to death in Dunoon on Saturday, while ANC councillor Sicelo Mleve was gunned down in his office in Zwide later the same day.

The GOOD Party has called for tighter election security measures after the gruesome killings. According to them, the incidents raise concerns about the safety of candidates, activists, and election workers ahead of the November local government elections.

GOOD Calls for Action

The GOOD Party caucus in the City of Cape Town condemned Dyokwe's killing and extended its condolences to her family and loved ones. GOOD City of Cape Town councillor Jonathan Cupido argued that violence linked to voter registration activities threatens residents' constitutional right to participate freely in elections.

'An assassination tied to voter registration is an attack on the electoral process itself, and on every resident's right to participate in it freely and without fear,' Cupido said. The party also urged the Electoral Commission, the City of Cape Town, and the South African Police Service to review security measures for candidates, party workers, and registration staff before November's local government elections.

Parties Condemn and Call for Action

ActionSA Cape Town mayoral candidate Dereleen James urged police to prioritise the investigations, bringing those responsible to justice without delay. ACC president Masizole Mnqasela described the attacks as an assault on democracy and community activism. He urged investigators to pursue every lead and secure arrests.

A statement from the ANC described the shooting as a 'senseless act of violence,' with Mleve's death depriving Nelson Mandela Bay of a dedicated public representative committed to serving his community.

'No person should have to weigh their life against their willingness to serve,' Cupido said.

The Incidents

According to the police, two armed suspects entered a meeting at Mleve's office in Zwide on Saturday evening. They allegedly confiscated cellphones before opening fire. Mleve died at the scene. The police are probing both murders and have appealed to the public for information that could assist their investigations.