Alleged taxi hitman abandons bail bid

The man known as “Yesu”, alleged to be a taxi hitman linked to a string of violent attacks in the province, has abandoned his bail application.

Vuyolwethu Tshukela appeared briefly in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where he informed the court that he would no longer be seeking his release on bail.

He is set to return to court on August 8.

Tshukela, originally from Mthatha, was arrested in Welkom in the Free State last month after evading police for several months.

He initially faced four charges, including murder, attempted murder, and extortion. However, the State has significantly expanded its case against him.

Last week, the State confirmed that 14 additional charges had been added after consultation with a senior advocate, bringing the total number of charges to 18.

These now include kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious injury to property, robbery, intimidation, arson, and a second count of attempted murder, this time involving a security officer.

“Your Worship, the charge sheet at first appearance only reflected four charges. That has now changed to 14 additional charges being added after consultation with the State advocate,” said the prosecutor during Thursday’s proceedings.

According to police, Tshukela is alleged to have been behind a spate of violent incidents between August and September 2024, in areas including Philippi East, Nyanga, and Delft.

These incidents were widely publicised, with the provincial police issuing several appeals for information on his whereabouts.

“He was apprehended in Welkom and is currently facing charges linked to murder and extortion, as well as an arson investigation,” police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said.

On August 18, 2024, Tshukela allegedly approached a group of taxi drivers gathered at a rank and opened fire, killing one driver in front of witnesses. It is believed the victim had refused to pay extortion money.

A few weeks later, on September 17, 2024, Tshukela allegedly threatened a group of taxi drivers, demanding protection fees and warning that non-compliance would result in them being shot. Some drivers allegedly paid, while others, including the complainant in that matter, refused.

One of the attempted murder charges stems from an incident on February 9, this year, in which four men, allegedly including Tshukela, set fire to several containers and taxis at the Nyanga taxi rank. When patrollers responded and pursued the suspects into a nearby street, Tshukela is alleged to have turned and opened fire on them.

The patrollers escaped unscathed and later identified him to police.

Potelwa confirmed that investigations are ongoing and more charges could follow.

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

Tshukela remains in custody until his next appearance.

Cape Times