Police made a breakthrough after they nabbed a 38-year-old man on Friday, who was on the run and had been sought for murders, extortion and arson.
In a statement, Western Cape police confirmed that Vuyolwethu Tshukela aka ‘Yesu’, was arrested in Welkom in the Free State.
‘’The suspect who is on the run has been positively linked
to at least four taxi-related murders which were perpetrated in Philippi East
and Nyanga during August 2024 and murders in Nyanga and Delft during September
2024,’’ said Lt Col Malcolm Pojie, Western Cape police spokesperson,
previously.
PICTURED - SAPS: Vuyolwethu TshukelaTshukela, who was born in Mthatha appeared in the Athlone
Magistrate’s court on Tuesday, and was formally charged with only one count of
murder, one count of attempted murder, and two counts of extortion.
The State said that on 18 August 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.
Tshukela allegedly also demanded payments from drivers and
threatened that those who did not comply would be shot.
Yesu is also accused of torching containers and taxis at
the Nyanga taxi rank in February 2025. Tshukela is alleged to have opened fire
on taxi operators.
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.
The matter was postponed to 24 June in order for Tshukela’s
private lawyer to be present and for bail application
Done by: Elona Sibunzi
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