Latest news with #AthloneMagistrate'sCourt
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Accused taxi hitman's reign of terror detailed in court
Vuyolwethu 'Yesu' Tshukela appeared in the Athlone Magistrate's Court for murder, attempted murder, and extortion in taxi-related incidents. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Media One of the Western Cape's most wanted suspects, Vuyolwethu Tshukela, also known by the alias 'Yesu', made his first appearance in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Tuesday following his arrest in the Free State on Friday. Tshukela, 38, who had been sought in connection with a series of violent taxi-related crimes in Cape Town, was apprehended in Welkom after months on the run. He now faces a raft of serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, arson, and extortion. Police confirmed that a R100,000 reward had been offered for information leading to his arrest and successful conviction, which came after a months-long manhunt. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ According to Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie, Tshukela had been positively linked to at least four taxi-related murders committed in Philippi East, Nyanga, and Delft between August and September 2024. '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 subsequently apprehended in Welkom and is currently facing charges linked to murder and extortion cases as well as an arson investigation that were all committed in the Nyanga area and relate to the taxi industry.' Vuyolwethi 'Yesu' Tshukela remains behind bars after appearing in court for murder, attempted murder, and extortion. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Media However, in court on Tuesday, Tshukela was formally charged with only one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and two counts of extortion. During his brief court appearance, the State outlined a disturbing pattern of violence allegedly linked to protection rackets in the taxi industry. The court heard that on August 18, 2024, during a meeting of taxi drivers at a rank, Tshukela allegedly approached the group and fatally shot one of the drivers in front of multiple eyewitnesses. About 16 taxis were set alight at the Nyanga taxi rank in February. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media According to the State, the deceased had previously refused to pay extortion money. The State also detailed a separate incident on September 17, 2024, where Tshukela allegedly demanded payments from drivers and threatened that those who did not comply would be shot. While some made payments, the complainant in the matter reportedly refused. On the charge of attempted murder, the State alleges that on February 9, 2025, a group of four people – including Tshukela – set fire to containers and taxis at the Nyanga taxi rank. When taxi patrollers gave chase, the group fled into a nearby street, where Tshukela allegedly opened fire on them. The patrollers escaped and ran to the police station, later positively identifying Tshukela as one of the shooters. The State prosecutor told the court that the matter falls under Schedule 6 offences, which means the accused must show exceptional circumstances to be granted bail. The State indicated it would oppose any bail application. 'This is a Schedule 6 matter,' said the prosecutor. 'The accused is before the court for a charge of murder, two charges of extortion, and one charge of attempted murder.' The court postponed the case to June 24 so that Tshukela's private lawyer could be present and further bail-related information could be recorded. Meanwhile, police say additional charges may be added as investigations continue. 'As investigations unfold, the suspect could face additional charges,' said Brigadier Potelwa.
The South African
11 hours ago
- The South African
One of South Africa's most wanted fugitives arrested in Welkom
After months of evading capture and with a R100 000 reward on his head, one of South Africa's most dangerous fugitives, Vuyolwethu Tshukela, better known by the alias 'Yesu', has been arrested in Welkom in the Free State. The 38-year-old, originally from Mthatha, was apprehended on Friday, 13 June, following a coordinated investigation by Western Cape police. Tshukela had been on the Western Cape's most-wanted list since early 2024, linked to a violent criminal syndicate operating within the province's embattled taxi industry. Authorities say Tshukela is connected to a string of murders, extortion schemes, and arson attacks across Cape Town's most volatile areas, including Philippi East, Nyanga, and Delft. He was allegedly at the centre of turf wars that left several taxi owners and operators dead. In August 2024, police tied him to a spate of targeted killings in the Cape Flats, followed by further violence in September, prompting the SAPS to issue a public alert and later announce a cash reward for any information leading to his arrest. 'This was a long and complex operation involving intelligence-led policing and cooperation with community informants,' a police spokesperson said. Tshukela's capture is being hailed as a major breakthrough, but investigators stress the work is far from over. Police believe he did not act alone, and that his arrest may expose a wider criminal network entrenched in the local transport sector. His syndicate allegedly used violence and fear to assert control over minibus taxi routes, with firebombings and executions used as intimidation tactics. Tshukela is scheduled to appear at the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 17 June, where he will face multiple charges – including murder, attempted murder, arson, extortion, and racketeering. More charges may follow as investigators continue to build a full picture of the syndicate's operations. 'This is a significant arrest, but it's just the beginning. We expect more suspects to follow,' police confirmed. The case highlights the ongoing crisis in the taxi industry, where disputes over routes and revenue have turned deadly in several parts of the country. Communities across the Western Cape have called for stronger regulation and policing of the sector, which remains a critical but often volatile component of public transport. Tshukela's arrest may mark a turning point in those efforts – or simply the unveiling of deeper criminal entrenchment. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
Taxi hitman ‘Yesu' faces court over murder and extortion charges
Vuyolwethu 'Yesu' Tshukela appeared in the Athlone Magistrate's Court for murder, attempted murder, and extortion in taxi-related incidents. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Media One of the Western Cape's most wanted suspects, Vuyolwethu Tshukela, also known by the alias 'Yesu', made his first appearance in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Tuesday following his arrest in the Free State on Friday. Tshukela, 38, who had been sought in connection with a series of violent taxi-related crimes in Cape Town, was apprehended in Welkom after months on the run. He now faces a raft of serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, arson, and extortion. Police confirmed that a R100,000 reward had been offered for information leading to his arrest and successful conviction, which came after a months-long manhunt. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ According to Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie, Tshukela had been positively linked to at least four taxi-related murders committed in Philippi East, Nyanga, and Delft between August and September 2024. '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 subsequently apprehended in Welkom and is currently facing charges linked to murder and extortion cases as well as an arson investigation that were all committed in the Nyanga area and relate to the taxi industry.' Vuyolwethi 'Yesu' Tshukela remains behind bars after appearing in court for murder, attempted murder, and extortion. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Media However, in court on Tuesday, Tshukela was formally charged with only one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and two counts of extortion. During his brief court appearance, the State outlined a disturbing pattern of violence allegedly linked to protection rackets in the taxi industry. The court heard that on August 18, 2024, during a meeting of taxi drivers at a rank, Tshukela allegedly approached the group and fatally shot one of the drivers in front of multiple eyewitnesses. About 16 taxis were set alight at the Nyanga taxi rank in February. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media According to the State, the deceased had previously refused to pay extortion money. The State also detailed a separate incident on September 17, 2024, where Tshukela allegedly demanded payments from drivers and threatened that those who did not comply would be shot. While some made payments, the complainant in the matter reportedly refused. On the charge of attempted murder, the State alleges that on February 9, 2025, a group of four people – including Tshukela – set fire to containers and taxis at the Nyanga taxi rank. When taxi patrollers gave chase, the group fled into a nearby street, where Tshukela allegedly opened fire on them. The patrollers escaped and ran to the police station, later positively identifying Tshukela as one of the shooters. The State prosecutor told the court that the matter falls under Schedule 6 offences, which means the accused must show exceptional circumstances to be granted bail. The State indicated it would oppose any bail application. 'This is a Schedule 6 matter,' said the prosecutor. 'The accused is before the court for a charge of murder, two charges of extortion, and one charge of attempted murder.' The court postponed the case to June 24 so that Tshukela's private lawyer could be present and further bail-related information could be recorded. Meanwhile, police say additional charges may be added as investigations continue. 'As investigations unfold, the suspect could face additional charges,' said Brigadier Potelwa.
IOL News
26-04-2025
- IOL News
Police crack down on car thieves
Cape Town – Five suspects were expected to appear in court following their arrest for possession of stolen and hijacked vehicles. Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said officers were on patrol in Zwelitsha when they saw two suspects carrying parts of a vehicle. 'When questioned, the suspects told the police where they got the parts and they directed the police to where the vehicle was. "On arrival, the members found another suspect busy stripping the vehicle. The vehicle was discovered as reported stolen in Gugulethu this month.' The trio, aged 20, 24 and 39, were arrested. In another incident, officers arrested two suspects aged 25 and 26. They were caught taking apart a vehicle in Ramaphosa informal settlement in Browns Farm. 'The vehicle was reportedly hijacked an hour before the arrest in Monwood Drive in the same vicinity," said Van Wyk. "The driver of the company vehicle, a Toyota Avanza, had just finished dropping the last staff member when he was approached by two armed men. "One suspect searched the driver and took his wallet and the other suspect got into the driver's side and they drove away with the vehicle.' The 26-year-old suspect was apprehended with a replica firearm. The suspects were scheduled to appear in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on charges of theft and possession of a hijacked vehicle. Cape Times
