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.”

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.

The attempted murder charge relates to an incident on February 9, 2025, where a group of four people, including Tshukela, allegedly set fire to containers and taxis at the Nyanga taxi rank.

When patrollers gave chase, the group fled into a nearby street. Tshukela is alleged to have opened fire on the patrollers, who escaped unharmed and later identified him to police.

Brigadier Potelwa confirmed investigations are ongoing, and additional charges could still be added.

“As investigations unfold, the suspect could face additional charges,” she said.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za

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