The ruling African National Congress has expressed shock at the news of the killing of the Eastern Cape COPE member. In a statement, the ANC said it “strongly condemns this criminal act and urges the law enforcement agencies to do everything possible to bring those responsible to book".

The ruling party also appealed to members of the community to come forward with information and help the investigation.

Cope provincial spokesperson Nkosifikile Gqomo said Yona, 38, his wife and his children were attacked by three men who were armed with pistols early on Wednesday night.

"Their children managed to escape. The three attackers fled in a Citi Golf," Gqomo said adding that Yona was certified dead in hospital.

Yona's wife, who was injured in the shooting, was discharged from hospital later in the evening.

Independent Electoral Commission chairperson Brigalia Bam said on Wednesday crime had tainted the otherwise peaceful elections.

"We have also had something unusual in our tradition that we have a few criminal challenges that face us, that have never happened to us. It is the first time,” Bam said.