Latest news with #Tshukela
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.
The South African
30-04-2025
- The South African
SAPS offer R100 000 reward for capture of taxi hitman
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has issued a R100 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Vuyo Tshukela, also known as Yesu , a fugitive believed to be responsible for a deadly wave of violence linked to the taxi industry. A warrant of arrest has been issued for Tshukela, who is accused of orchestrating at least four murders in Philippi East and Nyanga during August 2024. The violence continued in Nyanga and Delft in September, escalating tensions and endangering commuters and drivers alike. According to SAPS spokesperson Lt Col Malcolm Pojie, Tshukela is regarded as 'armed and dangerous' and is a known figure within the underworld of the taxi sector. 'We appeal to anyone with information regarding the fugitive's whereabouts to come forward,' Pojie stated. 'Your help could save lives and restore calm to our communities.' The public is urged to contact: Lt Col Julian Tarentaal at 082 559 4645 at Captain Lukhanyo Magadla at 082 411 3245 Anonymous tips can be submitted via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS app. SAPS has emphasised that all leads will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. 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.
News24
29-04-2025
- News24
Police offer R100 000 reward for alleged Cape Town taxi hitman 'Yesu'
Western Cape police are offering a R100 000 reward for information leading to the arrest of alleged taxi hitman Vuyo "Yesu" Tshukela. Tshukela is wanted in connection with at least four murders. He is linked to taxi-related killings in Nyanga, Delft and Philippi East between August and September 2024. Western Cape police have put up a R100 000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of alleged taxi hitman Vuyo Tshukela - also known as "Yesu", the Xhosa word for Jesus. Tshukela earned his nickname from his alleged warning to victims prior to their executions that he was sending them to "meet Jesus". Police have linked him to several taxi-related murders committed in Philippi East and Nyanga in August last year, as well as killings in Nyanga and Delft the following month. Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed that the man, who is on the run, has been positively linked to at least four taxi-related murders. Supplied Insiders close to the investigation claimed Tshukela had last been spotted in the Philippi area over the weekend. "Some officers fear him; others are rumoured to be on his payroll," one claimed. Speaking off the record, community leaders in Philippi said they were too afraid to comment publicly. "This is Bara in the making," one said, referring to Yanga "Bara" Nyalara, a former taxi boss and suspected kingpin who was gunned down with six of his bodyguards during a shootout with police in Gcuwa, Eastern Cape, earlier this year. Nyalara, like Tshukela, was linked to extortion, contract killings, and a sprawling criminal enterprise across the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. Though never convicted, police records painted him as one of the most dangerous figures in the Cape Town underworld. Tshukela is believed to be following a similar path, rising through the ranks of the taxi underworld by allegedly eliminating rivals and consolidating power through violence and fear. Police are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Lieutenant-Colonel Julian Tarentaal on 082 559 4645 or Captain Lukhanyo Magadla on 082 411 3245. Alternatively, tip-offs can be submitted via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or the MySAPS mobile app.
