Minister condemns the murder of community activist and DA Ward candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has strongly condemned the brutal murder of community activist and Democratic Alliance Ward 104 by-election candidate, Sinovuyo Dyokwe, who was shot and killed in Dunoon on Saturday evening. According to reports, Ms Dyokwe was returning home after spending the day assisting with voter registration activities when she was attacked by a gunman.
Minister Marais said, "This is a senseless and horrific act of violence that has robbed a family of a loved one, a community of a dedicated activist, and our democracy of a person committed to serve her community. My deepest condolences go to Ms Dyokwe's family, friends, colleagues, and all those who worked alongside her to improve conditions in their community."
Minister Marais noted with grave concern speculation that the murder may be linked either to Ms 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", Minister Marais said.
Minister Marais has called on the South African Police Service to dedicate every available resource to the investigation.
"I call on SAPS to leave no stone unturned. The perpetrators must face the full might of the law. Violence and intimidation have no place in our democracy, and communities cannot be held hostage by criminals seeking to silence those who stand up for safer neighbourhoods", Minister Marais said.
Minister Marais further expressed concern about ongoing extortion-related criminality in Dunoon and surrounding communities, noting that extortion syndicates continue to fuel violence, undermine economic activity, and intimidate residents, community leaders, businesses, and service providers.
Minister Marais has called on the South African Police Service to intensify its anti-extortion operations in Dunoon and surrounding communities through increased intelligence-driven investigations, targeted enforcement actions, and stronger collaboration with specialised units. "Extortion syndicates thrive when they believe they can operate with impunity. SAPS must continue to disrupt these criminal networks by identifying their leadership structures, tracing their financial activities, and ensuring that those responsible for intimidation, violence, and murder are removed from our communities”, Minister Marais said.
"Reporting remains one of the most powerful tools available to law enforcement. Authorities can only act on extortion-related crimes when information is received. Too often, murders and acts of intimidation occur because criminal activities go unreported. Anonymous reporting can save lives, disrupt criminal networks, and prevent future extortion-related killings", Minister Marais concluded.
Members of the public can report information anonymously by contacting:
- SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111
- MySAPS mobile application
- City of Cape Town Crime Tip-Off Line: 0800 110077
- Extortion toll free hotline: 0800 31 4444
Minister Marais confirmed that she will closely monitor the progress of the investigation.
Media Enquiries:
Kurt Nefdt
Acting MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Cell: 0842851975
Email: Kurt.Nefdt@westerncape.gov.za