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.

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.”

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.

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.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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