The DA has condemned the murder of its Du Noon Ward 104 by-election candidate and community activist, Sinovuyo Dyokwe, who was gunned down on her way home on Saturday evening.

Dyokwe had spent the day helping out at a voter registration venue.

Police say a lone gunman approached her on foot on Mnandi Street at around 18:00 and shot her.

Brigadier Novela Potelwa said provincial serious violent crime detectives were still processing the scene on Sunday morning, and no arrests have been made yet.

In a statement, the DA Cape Town Metro region expressed its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dyokwe.

Constituency Head Nicholas Gotsell said he would be engaging with the SAPS to ascertain the facts of the case.

“Known for her bright smile and bubbly personality, Sinovuyo was instrumental in growing the DA voter base in Dunoon and cemented herself as a reliable and effective community activist.”

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has expressed his shock.

“Sino was an energetic activist and helped the DA to its best ever growth result in a recent by-election, where she was our candidate. Residents in the community loved Sino, and she could always be found walking the streets of Dunoon helping improve services. I pray the police find those responsible for her death quickly.”

The MEC for Community Safety and Police Oversight, Anroux Marais, says there has been speculation that the murder may be linked to Dyokwe’s political activities or to her outspoken stance on crime and criminality in the area.

“At this stage, it would be irresponsible to speculate on the motive. However, all possible motives must be thoroughly investigated. Whether this murder was politically motivated, linked to her community activism, her anti-crime advocacy, or any other criminal motive, those responsible must be identified, arrested, and successfully prosecuted.”

Marais has called on the South African Police Service to dedicate every available resource to the investigation.

The DA has arranged counselling for Dyokwe’s family, friends and colleagues.