Alleged mastermind behind DA councillor’s murder arrested

A 37-year-old man alleged to be the mastermind behind the murder of Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate councillor Sinovuyo Miranda Dyokwe has been arrested in Parklands, Cape Town. The suspect was arrested on Saturday during a joint intelligence-driven operation by the Western Cape Serious Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) unit and the SAPS Special Task Force after allegedly evading arrest. Police said the arrest followed an intensive investigation, with detectives acting on information from members of the public about the suspect’s whereabouts.

He has since been positively linked to Dyokwe’s murder. Preliminary investigations indicate that Dyokwe had allegedly been the target of an extortion racket and was forced to pay protection money. Police allege that after she refused to continue making the payments, threats were made against her.

On 20 June 2026, Dyokwe was allegedly followed while returning home after taking part in voter registration activities in Dunoon. Two armed suspects allegedly shot and killed her. During the operation, police seized a vehicle believed to have been used in the murder, as well as seven cellphones that will form part of the ongoing investigation.

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The suspect is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of murder and extortion. Police said the investigation is continuing and further arrests are expected.

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