Suspect arrested in connection with murder of DA councillor

Western Cape police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Sinovuyo Dyokwe. The province’s Serious Violent Crime Investigation unit and Special Task Force carried out the arrest on Saturday in Parklands. Dyokwe was shot dead near Dunoon on 20 June after a day of campaigning for that weekend’s voter registration days.

The South African Police Service (Saps) state that Dyokwe was followed out of Dunoon that Friday evening by two armed suspects, with the arrested suspect allegedly being the orchestrator of the hit. “She was a dedicated activist and DA candidate in Dunoon who worked tirelessly to serve her community. She will be deeply missed,” the DA stated following the incident.

Saps stated that their investigations had revealed Dyokwe was being extorted of protection money, and was targeted when refusing to comply. “It is further alleged that after she refused to continue making these payments, threats were made against her. “During the operation, police seized the vehicle allegedly used in the commission of the offence, as well as seven cellular phones that will form part of the ongoing investigation.

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“The arrest follows an intensive investigation during which detectives acted on information received from members of the public regarding the suspect’s whereabouts,” Saps confirmed. The 37-year-old suspect is expected in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face charges of murder and extortion. “The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests are expected as detectives continue to pursue all those involved in this matter,” the Saps stated on Sunday. In a separate incident, a man in the Free State has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a woman.

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