Alleged mastermind behind murder of DA councillor candidate nabbed in Cape Town

A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor candidate Sinovuyo Miranda Dyokwe, with police alleging he orchestrated the fatal shooting following an extortion dispute.

The suspect was arrested on Saturday, 25 July 2026, during a joint intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Western Cape Serious Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) unit and the SAPS Special Task Force in Parklands.

In a statement police said that the suspect had allegedly been evading arrest before investigators, acting on information received from members of the public, tracked him down. Detectives say the ongoing investigation has positively linked him to Dyokwe's murder.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Dyokwe had allegedly been the target of an extortion scheme in which she was forced to pay protection money. Police allege that after she refused to continue making the payments, threats were made against her.

Investigators further allege that on 20 June 2026, Dyokwe was returning home after taking part in voter registration activities in Dunoon when she was followed by two armed suspects, who fatally shot her.

During the arrest operation, police seized a vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime, along with seven cellular phones that are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Monday, 27 July 2026, where he will face charges of murder and extortion.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional arrests are expected as detectives continue to pursue others believed to have been involved in the killing.

Western Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Luyanda Damoyi praised the investigating team and all officers involved in the operation for their commitment and perseverance in bringing the suspect to justice.