ANC Councillor And DA Candidate Gunned Down Within An Hour During Voter Registration Weekend

South Africa’s voter registration weekend was overshadowed by tragedy after an ANC ward councillor and a DA candidate were shot and killed in separate incidents less than an hour apart on Saturday evening.

The two killings occurred in Nelson Mandela Bay and Cape Town respectively, sparking shock across the political spectrum as parties prepared for the upcoming local government elections.

ANC Councillor Sicelo Mleve Shot Dead During Community Meeting

ANC councillor Sicelo Mleve was fatally shot while attending a meeting at his office in Ward 27, which covers parts of Zwide and Soweto-on-Sea in Nelson Mandela Bay.

According to police, the attack occurred at around 6:50pm when two armed men allegedly entered the premises during a gathering attended by approximately 10 people.

“It is alleged two unknown armed male suspects stormed the office while a meeting consisting of roughly 10 people was actively underway,” said police spokesperson Captain Majola Nkohli.

“It is further said that the suspects held the victims at gunpoint, and ordered everyone present to handover their cellphones.”

“One of the suspects fired upon a 45-year-old man, inflicting multiple gunshot wounds, before fleeing the scene.”

“[He] sustained several gunshot wounds and was declared deceased on the scene.”

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects as investigations continue.

Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe described the killing as a devastating loss for the municipality and the community.

“We are highly shocked and devastated.”

“A councillor should be a highly protected person.”

“Councillor Sicelo Mleve was dedicated to serving his community.”

“We are really in a state of shock and appeal for the law to take its course.”

Political Leaders Condemn ANC Councillor Killing In Nelson Mandela Bay

The assassination of Sicelo Mleve has prompted calls for urgent action to address violent crime in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Lobishe said Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata travelled to the city following the shooting and was expected to provide an update to municipal leaders.

“Before this happened, we had not identified any risks. It’s a huge shock to us.”

ANC National Executive Committee member Andile Lungisa also condemned the attack and called for stronger action against violent crime.

“No city should normalise weekly killings.”

“Killing of innocent people in Gqeberha needs to be stopped without fear.”

“It is so painful that Sicelo Mleve, a councillor of the ANC, was killed by criminals in his office.”

DA Candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe Killed After Voter Registration Campaign

Just under an hour before Mleve’s killing, DA by-election candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe was shot dead in Du Noon, Milnerton.

The 48-year-old had spent the day encouraging residents to register and re-register to vote before she was attacked while returning home from a voter registration venue at around 6pm.

Western Cape police confirmed that serious violent crime detectives have been assigned to investigate the murder.

“Western Cape police are still processing the scene where a 48-year-old woman was shot dead in Du Noon, Milnerton on Saturday evening,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa.

“Preliminary reports indicate the deceased person was shot in Mnandi Street by a gunman on foot at approximately 6pm.”

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“Provincial serious violent crime detectives are on the scene as part of the investigation into the murder.”

“No arrests have been effected yet.”

In a joint statement, DA leaders JP Smith and Nicholas Gotsell paid tribute to Dyokwe and highlighted her contribution to growing the party’s support in Du Noon.

“Sinovuyo was gunned down en route home from the voter registration venue after dedicating her day to register or re-register DA voters during day one of registration weekend.”

“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.”

The DA said counselling has been arranged for her family, friends and colleagues and pledged to pursue justice for those affected by her death.