logo
Accused taxi hitman's reign of terror detailed in court

Accused taxi hitman's reign of terror detailed in court

IOL News17-06-2025
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.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
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.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Bushiri Likely to Avoid Extradition as Documents Go Missing in Malawi — Accountant Faces Perjury Claims
Bushiri Likely to Avoid Extradition as Documents Go Missing in Malawi — Accountant Faces Perjury Claims

IOL News

time3 hours ago

  • IOL News

Bushiri Likely to Avoid Extradition as Documents Go Missing in Malawi — Accountant Faces Perjury Claims

Controversial Prophet Shepherd Bushiri may never face justice in South Africa after key extradition documents mysteriously vanished in Malawi. Image: Dimpho Maja/Independent Media Controversial Prophet Shepherd Bushiri may never face justice in South Africa after key extradition documents mysteriously vanished in Malawi. The development has cast serious doubt over the upcoming September hearing, raising fears that the prophet — who fled the country while out on bail in 2020 — could permanently escape prosecution. At the same time, his former accountant, Landiwe Ntlokwana, is at the centre of a legal storm of her own. Once a trusted insider in Bushiri's financial operations, she now faces possible charges of perjury and defeating the ends of justice. South African authorities have been trying to extradite Bushiri and his wife Mary since they violated their bail conditions and escaped the country under murky circumstances. They face multiple charges, including fraud and money laundering. The extradition case was due to be heard in Lilongwe's High Court in September. But reports suggest the documents required to proceed with the case have gone missing from court files — a development some legal observers believe is no coincidence. Bushiri's lawyers have argued in court that the disappearance of the papers is not just a bureaucratic mishap but a deliberate obstruction that could halt the entire extradition process. Meanwhile, Bushiri has continued to enjoy warm relations with Malawi's political elite. He has received praise from senior government officials, including the Minister of Civic Education and National Unity, who also recently honoured Bushiri's wife for her 'positive role in national development.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ While the extradition effort stalls, new controversy has erupted in South Africa involving Bushiri's former financial officer, Landiwe Ntlokwana. The 42-year-old chartered accountant was once closely involved in managing the finances of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church and Bushiri's now-infamous Commodities Trading Platform, which prosecutors allege was used to defraud investors of millions. Initially arrested alongside Bushiri in 2021, Ntlokwana maintained her innocence and kept a low profile for years. But in a sudden turn, she has now submitted an affidavit indicating she intends to cooperate with the prosecution. The detailed statement outlines how she joined Bushiri's organisation, believing in his mission, and became part of the administration team behind the church's financial schemes. The civil society group Right to Justice has called on prosecutors to formally charge Ntlokwana with perjury and obstruction. The group says her decision to come forward now — after remaining silent for four years — is both suspicious and potentially damaging to the integrity of the legal process. 'It is deeply concerning that she remained silent all this time,' said Siphesihle Jele, the group's chairperson. 'Now, she wants to flip the script. We believe she withheld crucial information, and only revealed it now when it suits her.' Jele added that if Ntlokwana is using her testimony as a way to escape prosecution while implicating others, she should be investigated thoroughly. Legal experts point out that under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, an accused person can be granted immunity if their testimony significantly contributes to a conviction. But Right to Justice argues that Ntlokwana's sudden cooperation could be a calculated move to avoid jail. Her credibility will now be under intense scrutiny. Prosecutors will need to weigh the value of her insider knowledge against the risk of relying on someone who, until recently, was also under criminal investigation. Meanwhile, Bushiri remains defiant. In recent social media posts, he dismissed his critics as 'jealous politicians' and claimed that his church had created thousands of jobs while uplifting the poor. With extradition efforts faltering and a key former insider now under fire, the case surrounding Bushiri continues to grow more complex and more political.

Alexandra CPF member accused of murdering her son is granted bail
Alexandra CPF member accused of murdering her son is granted bail

SowetanLIVE

time3 hours ago

  • SowetanLIVE

Alexandra CPF member accused of murdering her son is granted bail

Ntombizodwa Mashinini, an Alexandra community policing forum (CPF) member accused of stabbing her son to death, was on Thursday released on R5,000 bail.‎‎ Mashinini, 40, appeared in the Alexandra magistrate's court on Thursday on a charge of murder.‎‎ When she walked into the court, the accused blew a kiss while greeting family members in the public gallery with a smile. She gave one of the family members a brown envelope. Some people seated in the public gallery expressed a wish for her to be granted bail so that she can take care of her eight-month-old baby. While waiting for her verdict, a family member said: 'We pray that she gets bail and takes care of her kids, her kids really love her, and she loves them too.' Meanwhile, family members were stressed about the bail as Mashinini is unemployed and volunteering for the Alexandra CPF. An Alexandra CPF executive confirmed Mashinini was a member. 'We are aware of the issue of our member being accused of murdering her son. The case is in the hands of the law, and it will be investigated like all other cases,' the executive said. ‎‎Mashinini is accused of killing her 21-year-old son on July 5 at their home in East Bank. According to the state, the 21-year-old came home on the day intoxicated and there was an argument in the kitchen where there was a knife. A struggle ensued and Mashinini grabbed the knife and stabbed her son. The state did not oppose bail. The defence argued that she was the first-time offender, had no previous convictions, no pending cases and no pending protection orders. Mashinisi was released on condition she does not have contact with witnesses. These include her boyfriend and her two older children. She was granted full custody of her eight-month-old baby. The case has been postponed to August 13 for a regional court appearance and further police investigations. TimesLIVE

Alexandra CPF member accused of murdering her son is granted bail
Alexandra CPF member accused of murdering her son is granted bail

TimesLIVE

time5 hours ago

  • TimesLIVE

Alexandra CPF member accused of murdering her son is granted bail

Ntombizodwa Mashinini, an Alexandra community policing forum (CPF) member accused of stabbing her son to death, was on Thursday released on R5,000 bail.‎‎ Mashinini, 40, appeared in the Alexandra magistrate's court on Thursday on a charge of murder.‎‎ When she walked into the court, the accused blew a kiss while greeting family members in the public gallery with a smile. She gave one of the family members a brown envelope. Some people seated in the public gallery expressed a wish for her to be granted bail so that she can take care of her eight-month-old baby. While waiting for her verdict, a family member said: 'We pray that she gets bail and takes care of her kids, her kids really love her, and she loves them too.' Meanwhile, family members were stressed about the bail as Mashinini is unemployed and volunteering for the Alexandra CPF. An Alexandra CPF executive confirmed Mashinini was a member. 'We are aware of the issue of our member being accused of murdering her son. The case is in the hands of the law, and it will be investigated like all other cases,' the executive said. ‎‎Mashinini is accused of killing her 21-year-old son on July 5 at their home in East Bank. According to the state, the 21-year-old came home on the day intoxicated and there was an argument in the kitchen where there was a knife. A struggle ensued and Mashinini grabbed the knife and stabbed her son. The state did not oppose bail. The defence argued that she was the first-time offender, had no previous convictions, no pending cases and no pending protection orders. Mashinisi was released on condition she does not have contact with witnesses. These include her boyfriend and her two older children. She was granted full custody of her eight-month-old baby. The case has been postponed to August 13 for a regional court appearance and further police investigations.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store