State ready to oppose bail against 'Western Cape's most wanted'

THE State has indicated its intention to oppose bail against Vuyolwethu Tshukela, described as one of the Western Cape’s most wanted suspects 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.

Also known by the alias “Yesu”, Tshukela made his first appearance in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where the State outlined a disturbing pattern of violence allegedly linked to protection rackets in the taxi industry.

He now faces a raft of serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, arson, and extortion.

The court heard that on August 18, 2024, during a meeting of taxi drivers at a rank, Tshukela allegedly approached the group and shot dead 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.

A R100,000 reward had been offered for information leading to his arrest and successful conviction, which came after a months-long manhunt.

Tshukela had initially been positively linked to at least four taxi-related murders committed in Philippi East, Nyanga, and Delft between August and September 2024. However, he was formally charged with only one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and two counts of extortion in court on Tuesday.

“As investigations unfold, the suspect could face additional charges,” said police spokesperson Novela Potelwa.

The case has since been postponed to June 24  for Tshukela’s private lawyer to be present and further bail-related information could be recorded.

Cape Times