The voter registration weekend has been marred by the killing of at least two political party representatives in separate incidents in the Eastern and Western Cape.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the murder of a ward councillor in Zwide, Gqeberha, last night. This follows the fatal shooting of Democratic Alliance (DA) activist and by-election candidate Sinovuyo Dyokwe.
Dyokwe was shot dead while returning home after taking part in the DA’s voter registration campaign in Dunoon. The party says it has suffered a devastating loss, describing Dyokwe as a dedicated and effective community activist.
As police assured South Africans of heightened security for the voter registration weekend, gun violence has claimed the lives of two people described by their parties as valuable members.
Eastern Cape police say the 45-year-old ward councillor was gunned down inside his office just before 19:00 yesterday. Officers state that two armed men burst into an office where a meeting attended by about ten people was underway.
The suspects allegedly ordered those present to hand over their cellphones before opening fire on the councillor and fleeing the scene.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are appealing to members of the public to come forward with any information that could lead to their arrest.
Meanwhile, tributes from across the political spectrum continue to pour in, as calls grow for those responsible for both killings to be swiftly brought to book.
Nkosikhona Malinga-Mnisi
www.ewn.co.za