SANTACO PRAISES SLAIN ‘EXTORTION KINGPIN'
Six armed suspects were fatally shot during a shootout with police on R 61 between Mthatha and Ngcobo. Santaco national chairperson Zola Bishop Yolelo was among the deceased.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
THE South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) says its slain Eastern Cape chairperson Zola 'Bishop' Yolelo, who was killed in a shootout with police, will be remembered for 'his unwavering commitment and his robust approach' to leadership and engagement.
Yolela, who is suspected of being an extortion kingpin in the Mthatha area and six others were killed when they apparently opened fire on police after having been stopped on the R61 road between Mthatha and Ngcobo on Monday afternoon.
He was also suspected of being central to the recent attempts to extort Gift of the Givers teams assisting the Eastern Cape government in providing aid to victims of the recent deadly floods.
However, the police could not confirm his involvement in the latest incident where aid teams were threatened not to provide water to residents as this was interfering with their 'business'.
The police referred questions to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) instead.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that the intelligence driven operation targeted individuals suspected of involvement in extortion activities within the area.
'Six armed suspects were fatally shot during a shootout with police on R 61 between Mthatha and Ngcobo. Police stopped the vehicle, and the suspects stopped. The suspects stepped out of the vehicle and opened fire on police members. Officers returned fire in self-defence, resulting in the fatal shooting of all six suspects.
'The identities of the deceased are currently unknown. Forensic processes are underway to formally identify them. Firearms recovered from the suspects will undergo ballistic analysis,' said Gantana.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
Ipid did not respond to requests for comment by deadline.
Santaco said it had learnt about Yolelo's death with 'deep sadness and shock'.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues, and the entire industry at this difficult time,' santaco spokesperson, Rebecca Phala said.
Santaco said Yolelo's journey in the taxi industry started from humble beginnings as a car washer and conductor, rising through the ranks serving as chairperson of the Uncedo Mthatha Taxi Association, regional chairperson of the OR Tambo Regional Council, and as a member of the NEC of Uncedo Taxi Association.
Zola 'Bishop' Yolelo.
Image: Facebook
He later became part of Santaco's provincial leadership in the Eastern Cape when he was elected provincial chairperson in April 2022.
That was two years after police had issued a reward for information leading to his arrest over his alleged involvement in taxi-related murder cases around Mthatha, Qumbu, Tsolo, Libode and Nqgeleni.
At the time in 2018, police had said: " Although several suspects have already been arrested and appeared at courts, these suspects (Zola Bishop Yolela , Melikhaya Ndaba, Thabile Ntshovulana and Latuzana Makhamba) remain at large. Attempts to trace them thus far have been unsuccessful as they continually escape being arrested."
Phala said Yolelo played a key role in founding and chairing the Eastern Cape Transport Tertiary Co-operative Limited (ECTTC) in 2010, advancing the formalisation and transformation of the taxi industry.
The royal house of AbaThembu once again maintained that Yolelo was never a traditional leader and/or a Chief of the Mthatha West Area.
'It is a matter of public record that the Royal House of AbaThembu took legal steps against Mr Zola Yolelo 'bishop' before the Mthatha High Court; and successfully proved that Mr Zola Yolelo had no legal standing as leader of the Mthatha West either as chief or ordinary leader.
'We call upon all other individuals masquerading as chiefs and/or traditional leaders in the area, enabling their criminal enterprise as extortionists to immediately desist from such criminal behaviour. Desist now,' said the office of King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
Gift of the Givers could not be reached for comment yesterday. The ANC in the Eastern Cape did not respond to requests for comment on Yolelo's death and his ties to the party.
Cape Times
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Court dismisses prosecutions body's reconsideration request in unlawful detention case
The SCA dismissed the application for reconsideration brought by the NDPP who were aggrieved by costs they had to pay to the man who successfully petitioned the SCA in a case of unlawful detention as a result of mistaken identity. Image: Thobile Mathonsi/ Independent Newspapers The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), in a second failed attempt at the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) could not show exceptional reasons to have the court reconsider a decision against costs awarded to a man detained unlawfully. The SCA dismissed the application for reconsideration brought by the NDPP, who were aggrieved by costs they had to pay to the man who successfully petitioned the SCA. In the matter, Khotso Ramabanta, instituted action against the NDPP and the Minister of Police for damages arising from his arrest on 27 February 2019 and subsequent detention until 20 March 2019, when the charges against him were eventually withdrawn by the prosecution. The SCA ordered that the Minister compensate Ramabanta R70,000 while the NDPP was ordered to compensate to the tune of R650,000. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading In a case of mistaken identity, Ramabanta - instead of his brother identified as 'Rorisang' - was detained for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident alongside two other suspects and initially failed to disclose his passport or provide an exculpatory statement during investigations. Ramabanta contended that the NDPP lacked reasonable and probable cause to prosecute. The NDPP expressed that the prompt withdrawal of charges upon production of Ramabanta's passport demonstrated prosecutorial diligence as opposed to malice. Furthermore, the NDPP challenged the full court's award of R650,000 in damages as grossly disproportionate to comparable cases, citing precedents where significantly lower amounts were awarded for similar or more egregious detentions. Ramabanta opposed the application for reconsideration and the court found that he argued correctly that the NDPP's mere dissatisfaction with the full court's decision or perceived prospects of success was insufficient Acting Judge of appeal, Daniel Dlodlo, said: 'The NDPP has failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting reconsideration of the dismissal of the petition for special leave to appeal. Her arguments largely rehash the merits of the case and do not establish that the refusal of leave would result in a grave injustice or disrepute to the administration of justice. The full court's decision was neither irrational nor misdirected, and the damages award, while high, was not so disproportionate so as to justify intervention.'
IOL News
15 hours ago
- IOL News
SANTACO PRAISES SLAIN ‘EXTORTION KINGPIN'
Six armed suspects were fatally shot during a shootout with police on R 61 between Mthatha and Ngcobo. Santaco national chairperson Zola Bishop Yolelo was among the deceased. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers THE South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) says its slain Eastern Cape chairperson Zola 'Bishop' Yolelo, who was killed in a shootout with police, will be remembered for 'his unwavering commitment and his robust approach' to leadership and engagement. Yolela, who is suspected of being an extortion kingpin in the Mthatha area and six others were killed when they apparently opened fire on police after having been stopped on the R61 road between Mthatha and Ngcobo on Monday afternoon. He was also suspected of being central to the recent attempts to extort Gift of the Givers teams assisting the Eastern Cape government in providing aid to victims of the recent deadly floods. However, the police could not confirm his involvement in the latest incident where aid teams were threatened not to provide water to residents as this was interfering with their 'business'. The police referred questions to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) instead. Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that the intelligence driven operation targeted individuals suspected of involvement in extortion activities within the area. 'Six armed suspects were fatally shot during a shootout with police on R 61 between Mthatha and Ngcobo. Police stopped the vehicle, and the suspects stopped. The suspects stepped out of the vehicle and opened fire on police members. Officers returned fire in self-defence, resulting in the fatal shooting of all six suspects. 'The identities of the deceased are currently unknown. Forensic processes are underway to formally identify them. Firearms recovered from the suspects will undergo ballistic analysis,' said Gantana. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Ipid did not respond to requests for comment by deadline. Santaco said it had learnt about Yolelo's death with 'deep sadness and shock'. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues, and the entire industry at this difficult time,' santaco spokesperson, Rebecca Phala said. Santaco said Yolelo's journey in the taxi industry started from humble beginnings as a car washer and conductor, rising through the ranks serving as chairperson of the Uncedo Mthatha Taxi Association, regional chairperson of the OR Tambo Regional Council, and as a member of the NEC of Uncedo Taxi Association. Zola 'Bishop' Yolelo. Image: Facebook He later became part of Santaco's provincial leadership in the Eastern Cape when he was elected provincial chairperson in April 2022. That was two years after police had issued a reward for information leading to his arrest over his alleged involvement in taxi-related murder cases around Mthatha, Qumbu, Tsolo, Libode and Nqgeleni. At the time in 2018, police had said: " Although several suspects have already been arrested and appeared at courts, these suspects (Zola Bishop Yolela , Melikhaya Ndaba, Thabile Ntshovulana and Latuzana Makhamba) remain at large. Attempts to trace them thus far have been unsuccessful as they continually escape being arrested." Phala said Yolelo played a key role in founding and chairing the Eastern Cape Transport Tertiary Co-operative Limited (ECTTC) in 2010, advancing the formalisation and transformation of the taxi industry. The royal house of AbaThembu once again maintained that Yolelo was never a traditional leader and/or a Chief of the Mthatha West Area. 'It is a matter of public record that the Royal House of AbaThembu took legal steps against Mr Zola Yolelo 'bishop' before the Mthatha High Court; and successfully proved that Mr Zola Yolelo had no legal standing as leader of the Mthatha West either as chief or ordinary leader. 'We call upon all other individuals masquerading as chiefs and/or traditional leaders in the area, enabling their criminal enterprise as extortionists to immediately desist from such criminal behaviour. Desist now,' said the office of King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo. Gift of the Givers could not be reached for comment yesterday. The ANC in the Eastern Cape did not respond to requests for comment on Yolelo's death and his ties to the party. Cape Times
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
State opposes bail for taxi hitman ‘Yesu', citing flight risk
Alleged taxi hitman, Vuyolwethu 'Yesu' Tshukela, appeared in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The State has opposed bail for one of the Western Cape's most wanted suspects, known as 'Yesu', who made a brief appearance in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. Vuyolwethu Tshukela, 38, was arrested in Welkom, Free State, after months on the run. He faces multiple serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, arson, and extortion, allegedly linked to violent attacks within Cape Town's taxi industry. A State prosecutor told the court the matter falls under Schedule 6 offences, meaning the accused must prove exceptional circumstances to be released on bail. 'The accused is before the court for a charge of murder, two charges of extortion, and one charge of attempted murder,' the prosecutor said. 'He is a flight risk and does not have a fixed address. The address he provided turned out to be false, and there is an indication that he has a pending matter. The State is opposing the release of the accused.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The case had previously been postponed to allow for bail-related information and legal representation. Tshukela does not yet have a legal representative on record, although a lawyer stood up in court, indicating they may formally come on record at the next appearance on July 3. According to police, Tshukela had been sought in connection with a string of violent incidents that occurred between August and September 2024 in areas including Philippi East, Nyanga, and Delft. 'Western Cape police had issued media releases appealing for information on the whereabouts of Mthatha-born Vuyolwethu Tshukela, aka 'Yesu',' said police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa. 'He was apprehended in Welkom and is currently facing charges linked to murder and extortion, as well as an arson investigation.' The State detailed several incidents during Tuesday's proceedings. On August 18, 2024, Tshukela allegedly approached a group of taxi drivers during a meeting at a rank and shot one of them dead in front of eyewitnesses. The victim had reportedly refused to pay extortion money. In a separate incident on September 17, 2024, the accused allegedly demanded payments from taxi drivers and threatened that those who did not comply would be shot. While some drivers paid, the complainant in that case refused.
